Took my grandfather on an Honor Flight

[Nathans_Dad]

I had the opportunity to serve as guardian for my nearly 90 year old grandfather on his Honor Flight this weekend. For those who do not know what Honor Flight is, they are an organization that flies veterans (currently mostly WWII vets) to DC for two days of touring to say thank you for their service.

My grandfather is a WWII vet, he served in the Army Air Corps. He enlisted 5 days prior to Pearl Harbor and served until mid 1944. He worked as a radio operator and technician, mainly stationed on an airstrip at Ascension Island. This is a very small island in the middle of the Atlantic, about halfway between Brazil and Africa. It served mainly as a refueling station for aircraft going from the US to Europe, Africa and China.

It was a really amazing experience, there were 41 WWII vets on the trip. Just talking with these men and hearing the stories of what they did and saw was a once in a lifetime experience. All 5 service branches were represented, we even had a Merchant Marine.

Here are some of the pics I took during the event:

[Nathans_Dad]

Here's my Papaw back in the day:

[matt f]

Great organization.
Great story.
Great pictures.
Your grandfather is one of "the best of the best!"

Thank you for posting this and pass on to your grandfather my sincere thanks for his service.

Oh, and kudos to you for going as his guardian.

[nostatic]

Thank him for his service.

[911SauCy]

Good looking guy for 90.

GOD BLESS

[wdfifteen]

Thank you. Great photos!
I served as an escort on a couple of honor flights. Earl Morse (one of the founders) is a friend of mine. In those days the escorts had to pay for their own tickets and all expenses. This was just after they got enough money to start flying on commercial planes. Before that it was just Earl and some private pilots volunteering air time. It was a one-day trip, and it was hectic. I wish I could have taken my dad, but his alzheimers was too far advanced, so I went as escort for three guys each on two flights. Best grand I ever spent.

[Nathans_Dad]

Realized I forgot my favorite one!

Here is my Papaw reflected in part of the Korean War Memorial:

[onewhippedpuppy]

Very, very cool and a great organization.

[Hard-Deck]

Your Grandpa is of the Greatest Generation. Tell him thanks from my grateful family for keeping us free.

[Racerbvd]

One of the things I enjoy about my lodge is talking to some of the W.W.II vets, they do have some very interesting stories, truly living history that each of us should embrace.

[FLYGEEZER]

Please give your grandfather my heartfelt " Thank You " for his service.

[rouxroux]

Wonderful. Truly the "greatest generation"

[KFC911]

What an awesome thread....thanks Rick! My Papaw (WWII vet also, RIP) would have been just as proud as yours appears to be. Thanks to him and you too!!!

[Baz]

Hi Rick - indeed....please tell your grandfather we said "Thank you for your service."

Thanks for your post, the photos, the story, and for your role in the honor flight.

God bless all our vets. I'm so happy this program was initiated.

My mother, a Wave in WWII, and now 92 years young - also went last year, although I did not escort her. She had already set everything up before I even knew about it! Here she is...



Thanks again for your involvement and all the best to you and your "Paw paw"!

[KFC911]

Thanks Baz...they just don't make 'em like that anymore! It's sad to see that generation fading away as time marches on....I still miss my Papaw, but will never forget what he taught me!!!

[widgeon13]

That is so cool! Great pics as well. Must have been a wonderful experience for your granddad to do it with his grandson.

What a great program. They deserve the best we can give.