Bob and John Runtz: True Brothers in Arms
marc.zarefsky2022-04-09T21:55:39-05:00John and Bob Runtz are siblings from a Chicago family of five. John, born in August, 1943 and Bob born in June, 1945, instantly became members of a military family.
Earl and Darrell Bushnell: Shared Experiences for Father and Son
marc.zarefsky2022-04-09T21:37:14-05:00Earl Bushnell, age 96 and his son, Darrell, age 72 are in for an incredible ride. They will be the first father and son duo in Honor Flight Chicago’s history as part of the organization’s 100th flight to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, April 13.
Bill Baker: Underwater Demolition and Cartography Expert
marc.zarefsky2022-04-09T21:38:13-05:00William “Bill” Baker grew up probably as far from the sea as one could in the States. Born in Minneapolis on January 5, 1940, he lived in Maple Lake just north and west of the Twin Cities, surrounded by farm country.
Elaine Ansbro: Learning to Write Backward
marc.zarefsky2022-04-09T21:08:50-05:00Throughout Elaine’s interview she talked about how much she loves airplanes and anything patriotic. As a Girl Scout, she remembers with pride marching in the 4th of July parades. Her love of airplanes plus patriotism equal the Air Force.
Dave Adams: From Fighter Pilot to Volunteer Interviewer
marc.zarefsky2022-04-10T20:37:24-05:00Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base was a hub of activity during the Vietnam War. Located in northeastern Thailand, it was one of the major centers of U.S. Air Force combat operations.
Highlights from our 99th flight
marc.zarefsky2021-11-04T10:11:22-05:00We did it! Four flights, 10 weeks, 437 senior war heroes honored. The 2021 season was short, it was quick, and it was a RESOUNDING SUCCESS!!
Thomas Wysocki: Infantry and Combat Engineer
marc.zarefsky2021-11-04T10:16:43-05:00Corporal Tom Wysocki knew from a young age he wanted to serve his country, inspired in part by John Wayne.
Roy Veverka: Boom Operator and Cartographer
marc.zarefsky2021-11-04T10:16:24-05:00Boot Camp at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas was Roy’s initial introduction to the military.
Joseph Raftery Jr.: Demolition Specialist
marc.zarefsky2021-11-04T10:15:53-05:00Joe was born and raised on Chicago’s southwest side and attended St. Rita High School, where he went on a basketball scholarship.
Howard Fry: Red Crown Shoots Down 15 MiGs
marc.zarefsky2021-11-04T10:15:24-05:00During high school, Howard was a member of Junior ROTC. Thus, he learned basic military skills including marching and handling a rifle.
Robert Brown: Something To Prove and Everything To Lose
marc.zarefsky2021-11-04T10:15:07-05:00Bob attended the University of Illinois for two semesters in 1961 but came home when it became clear he wasn’t ready for college.
Margaret Bernal: Flying With The Big Boys
marc.zarefsky2021-11-04T10:14:49-05:00Life didn’t go the way 16-year-old Margaret Thomas would have liked it to go. Being the middle one of five sisters was always a challenge.
Robert Sussman: Live for 365 Days
marc.zarefsky2021-11-04T10:14:27-05:00Before college, Bob Sussman had lived all over the country, but never in one place longer than a year and a half.
David Grauer: Gunner on the Destroyer
marc.zarefsky2021-11-04T10:13:59-05:00David Grauer feels bad that he never saw combat in World War II. He is also very glad he never had to kill anybody.
John Lapo: Demolition Expert and Tunnel Rat
marc.zarefsky2021-11-04T10:13:43-05:00John “Rizz” Lapo’s toughness, acquired on the streets of Chicago, served him well in the jungles of Vietnam.
Joseph Mata Jr.: Just a Grunt, and Proud of It
marc.zarefsky2021-11-04T10:13:28-05:00Joseph ‘Jake’ Mata wanted to be a Marine. He quit high school at the age of 17 to enlist in the Marine Corps.
William Meloy: A Combat Intelligence Officer
marc.zarefsky2021-11-04T10:13:14-05:00William Meloy is 74 years young and grew up in Oak Lawn, Illinois. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in 1968.
Highlights from our 98th flight
marc.zarefsky2021-10-13T11:30:42-05:00Ninety three Women Warriors traveled to Washington D.C. as part of Operation HerStory, the first all-women Honor Flight.
Bette Horstman: Leading Physical Therapy for Vets
marc.zarefsky2021-10-01T21:29:52-05:002nd Lieutenant Bette Horstman served as a physical therapist in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in the Pacific during World War II.
Priscilla ‘Kris’ Artz: Once You Serve, You Keep on Serving
marc.zarefsky2021-10-01T21:20:13-05:00Growing up in Iowa, Kris Artz read books about flying. After high school, she knew she wanted to move on from working at a local grocery.