On one of the coldest-temperature Honor Flight Chicago missions in recent memory, one WWII, four Korean War, and 101 Vietnam War Veterans traveled to Washington, D.C., on September 23 to experience the warmth of Honor, Thanks, and Inspiration for their service to our country.
Before HFC132 arrived in the D.C., we had a surprise reveal from the cockpit. Southwest Captain Kevin Parr came into the cabin, and over the loudspeaker asked if Jack Parr could raise his hand. Jack, Kevin’s dad, did so from the very last row of the plane! It is the second time in 2026 that an honored Veteran has had his son as part of the flight crew taking us to Washington.
Temperatures on the ground as we visited our first stop of the day, the Air Force Memorial, were in the mid-50s with a healthy north wind. Even the deep bowl of the WWII Memorial couldn’t quell the breeze, but absolutely beautiful renditions of the Star Spangled Banner by Sergeant Collin LaHood of the Air Force Singing Sergeants, and of Taps by bugler Kenny Rittenhouse, during our traditional ceremony did well to warm the troops.
After our Veterans paid tribute at the Korean War and Vietnam Veterans Memorials, and we made our fan-favorite visit to the Udvar-Hazy Center, it was time to head home. Despite a brief mechanical delay with our aircraft that pushed our arrival home back by about 45 minutes, Midway Airport was rocking with the spirit of a true Welcome Home for these Veterans who never received one. As they passed the Chicago Fire Pipe & Drum performance, one Veteran was heard to say to a new friend he made during the day that “I can’t believe they did all this for us.”
Believe it! It’s the least we can do for our Veterans who sacrificed without gratitude so many years ago. We have one flight to Washington remaining on the 2026 calendar, and we can’t wait to see you then!
Edna Ho and Doug Meffley
Directors, Honor Flight Chicago
“Cannot thank you enough for the effort you put into my Honor Flight Chicago experience. I expected it to be great, it was unforgettable, thanks to your efforts and organization. I was greatly impressed with the amount of Volunteers that give their time and effort to this memorable experience for the veterans.”
— Korean War Veteran Richard Hejna
“What I had been expecting was a pleasant tour of D.C. with some fellow veterans. My Guardian Robert was amazing and seemed to intuitively know how to handle and guide me through the day, telling me to just wait ‘it gets better’ and boy did it ever. When I came home from Vietnam the public opinion of us Vets was horrible. I would not even wear my uniform home I was so ashamed. The healing that has occurred in me and for me is beyond my ability to express. Even now as I write this letter of thanks my eyes are overflowing with gratitude. Thank You for allowing me to experience this day I will never forget.”
— Vietnam Veteran James Murphy
“I’m sure you guys get a lot of positive feedback, but I wanted you to know that dad still gets emotional talking about last night. You and all the volunteers were fantastic. Can’t thank you enough. I was so honored to be a small part of the larger experience.”
— Kevin Parr, son of Veteran Jack Parr and HFC132 Outbound Captain
“What an absolutely mind boggling experience! I appreciated all the amazing volunteers, and Lenny and I are already talking about trading in our green and Grey, for a Chicago Orange !!! Thank you for all you do for these amazing men and women… I was totally honored to be allowed to participate as a “Family Guardian” and will continue to spread the word to other Vets to make the trip. I met so many interesting men and heard their stories and experiences”
— Doug McMillan, family friend and Guardian for Vietnam Veteran Lenny Corso
