On August 26, Honor Flight Chicago brought three Korean War and 110 Vietnam War Veterans to Washington, D.C. aboard HFC131. This was the fifth mission of our 18th season, and we packed more into the day than we ever have before.
The Veterans aboard this trip began their time in D.C. with a performance by the Air Force Drill Team at the Air Force Memorial. We then headed to the Mall for our traditional ceremony and stop at the WWII Memorial. From there, a brief drive down to the Lincoln Memorial area allowed every to visit both the Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
As an added bonus, the Lincoln Memorial plaza currently has the USAA National Military Monument installation, which allows the public to look up and display specific names from among the 41 million who have served our country dating to the Revolutionary War. Lines were short on this Wednesday afternoon, and many of our HFC travelers were able to display their own names as well as the names of loved ones who served.
With everything running on time, our contingent was able to make a brief stop at the Marine Corps Memorial on our way out of town. In addition to the traditional Marines Corps Veteran group photo we take at this location, we were able to allow the three Gold Star family members who flew with us time to reflect on their fallen brother and uncle: LCPL Lester Weber, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions in Vietnam.
From there, we ended our day at a fan-favorite stop: The Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum on the campus of Dulles Airport.
The smoothness of the day and all of the meaningful moments we were able to provide are the direct result of the dedication and prowess of our D.C. leadership and Guardians. Without their assistance and expertise, the Honor Flight Chicago experience would not be what it is.
As Vietnam Veteran John Noll told us afterward: “Did I enjoy the trip? ABSOLUTELY. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. It was amazingly well-organized and efficient. We visited five memorials and one museum in one day…but I never felt rushed.”
We’re barreling toward our final two missions of 2026 in September and October. We’ll see you then!
Edna Ho and Doug Meffley
Directors, Honor Flight Chicago
\“I cannot express my gratitude to everyone who made this possible. The trip was full of places and things that preserve History. What I will never forget are the people. The volunteers and every individual and organization that gave their time and extraordinary effort to make this possible. I feel as if I witnessed the USA that we fought for and not the image projected by all types of media we are exposed to every day.”
— Vietnam Veteran Jim Olin
“There are just too many people to thank for the incredible day we experienced. It surpassed by far all my hopes and expectations. I can’t begin to fathom all the planning and coordination that must take place to make these flights happen. I will definitely do what I can to promote and support Honor Flight Chicago. Thank you from the proverbial bottom of my heart.”
— Vietnam Veteran Don Olsen
“I wish to tell you what great help you have been to both my wife and I in preparing for this wonderful happening. Words cannot express the appreciation owed to you and the rest of the Honor Flight Chicago workers. What an experience it was to be surrounded by such caring persons. The entire entourage put so much care and manifested love in this effort. The entire experience was both overwhelming and unforgettable thanks to yours and the team’s efforts.”
— Vietnam Veteran Ed “Jack” Zellers
“It was truly an unforgettable day and one that I will never forget. The whole event was handled and ran like a well-oiled machine. Many companies do not run anywhere near as good as the Honor Flight team and all the volunteers. I am very much interested in recruiting new veterans for future flights. They should not miss an opportunity to experience what I did.”
— Vietnam Veteran Dennis Erickson
