Highlights from our 128th flight
Our 128th mission to Washington, D.C., brought a packed plane full of three Korean War and 113 Vietnam War Veterans to their Memorials in our nation’s capital on May 20, 2026.
Trainimair Platte: Logistics Excellence
Trainimair Platte served for over 20 years in the Air Force, rising through the ranks to attend the prestigious Air Force Institute of Technology. That experience paved for the way for a successful career after the military.
Mike Pfeffer: Sailing Into History
Mike Pfeffer joined the Navy to learn a trade, and he experienced history as a result. Working in the boiler room of the USS Coral Sea, Pfeffer was a part of the evacuation of Saigon and the Mayaguez Incident at the close of the Vietnam War.
Mario Candia: From Bolivia to the Wild Blue Yonder
Mario Candia's camera documented the Air Force's actions during the Vietnam War and so much more. From the top-secret "Misty" missions to up close photos during a Bob Hope USO show, Mario's images illustrated the War for many.
Leonard Bunge: Korean War VP-9 Aviator
Leonard Bunge always had his eye on military service, with a strong lean toward flying. He joined the Navy and flew with the Navy Patrol Squadron VP-9 "Golden Eagles" patrolling the Sea of Japan during the Korean War.
William “Billy” Kot: Such A Great Life
Billy was a Ration Breakdown Specialist in Vietnam, figuring out how much of each ration of meat, vegetables, etc. each company would get. His career after the service was just as full.
Carl Gatto: A Career in Helicopters
Carl Gatto attended Lewis College for Aircraft Maintenance, which led to a career in the military in which he was a UH-1 Helicopter Crew Chief, Aircraft Inspector, Platoon Sergeant, Helicopter Maintenance Instructor, and 1SG. of UH-60 Assault Helicopter Company.
Robert Anderson: The RTO With a Bronze Star
Robert Anderson was an RTO in the jungles of Vietnam. On the morning of July 6, 1970, Rob’s life was forever changed when he was wounded in a firefight. He earned a Bronze Star that day coordinating the evacuation for himself and five other soldiers.
Jack Rauscher: Resilience and Humor Carried Him Through the Delta
In Vietnam, Jack served as an engineman on a “Tango” boat used to move various personnel through the Mekong Delta as part of the Brown Water Navy. The vessels carried a seven-man crew, up to 40 infantrymen, and were heavily armed, but slow. Jack often piloted the boat himself.
Doug Strasburg: Fast Cars, Slow Bulldozers
Doug Strasburg says he was born with the ‘go fast’ gene. He loved figuring out how car engines worked. So naturally, when he entered the Army, he was trained as a heavy equipment operator driving very slow bulldozers in Vietnam.
Larry Beall: Second Generation Seabee
Larry Beall's dad was a Seabee in WWII, so when his draft notice arrived in August of 1966, he knew he wanted to join the Navy. He didn't initially plan to follow his father's footsteps exactly, but a trade school education prior to joining made his Seabee assignment pretty much a given.
Adrienne Rubinkowski: Submarine Surveillance and Logistics
During 20 years of service which included some tremendous responsibilities and intense experiences, when asked if she was ever scared or concerned, Lt. Rubinkowski’s immediate answer was during the Gulf War when she had to prepare recruits and their families for what was an unexpected deployment. A true dedicated service member, her concern was for others first.
Highlights from our 127th flight
Our 18th Honor Flight Chicago season is upon us! We kicked off the 2026 flight campaign on Wednesday, April 15, with the 127th flight in our history, bringing two Korean War and 106 Vietnam War Veterans to Washington, D.C.
Edward Johnson: No man left behind
We often hear the battle cry of “ NO MAN LEFT BEHIND“, but seldom have the opportunity to meet an individual who performed this mission. SP4 Edward Johnson was wounded in his left shoulder on December 18, 1965, for which he later was awarded the Purple Heart.
Chuck Bosko: Still not feeling like he did enough
First Sergeant Charles, “Chuck,” Bosko served in the US Army as a Combat Medic during the Vietnam War. Before Chuck joined the military, multiple relatives of his also proudly served our country, including his father, who served in the South Pacific during WWII as a Combat Engineer.
Michael Granberry: ‘Corporal Granberry is alive’
Michael’s enlistment code was an MOS 0311, also known as Grunt Rifleman / Ground Pounder. The riflemen are the heart of the Marine Corps. His unit was sent out on “Search and Destroy Missions” right away.
The Boys of Our Lady of Guadalupe
This is the story of three sons of Our Lady Of Guadalupe who also fought in Vietnam. They came home with deep emotional scars. But theirs’ is also a story of love, loyalty, and healing.
Terry Welch: A charmed and interesting life
Terry Welch says he’s lived a charmed life. It does seem that way. Despite being wounded twice during his one-year tour in Vietnam, multiple skydives and almost crashing his Cessna airplane, his life has certainly been charmed and interesting.
Joe Heater: Part of the Walking Dead
Joe Heater’s first childhood memory is going to a train station in the middle of the night to welcome his father home after his service as a Navy Seabee in World War II.
Benjamin Baldwin, Jr.: Flying aerial reconnaissance
Like most Americans he remembers the announcement of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Sunday afternoon, December 7, 1941, found him lying on the living room floor in front of the radio listening to “The Shadow”, a vigilante crime fighter.
Brandt Leischner: We were cowboys
Brandt’s path started in January 1969 with basic training at Ft. Polk, La. In March he transferred to Ft. Wolters, Texas, to begin the six-month long Warrant Officer Candidate (WOC) school, which included helicopter training in the OH-23 Raven.
John Whiteside: Meet The 22-Year-Old King
John knew that if he were drafted he would most likely be placed in the Army for a two year term. So at the age of 19 he headed to the recruitment office and signed up for a four year commitment in the Navy.
Highlights from our 126th flight
The 2025 season is complete! Thanks to the selfless efforts of our more than one thousand volunteers, Honor Flight Chicago successfully brought 779 senior war heroes to Washington, D.C., across seven flights this year.
Walter ‘Bud’ Guest: G.I. Bill Means No Bills
Walter “Bud” Guest was born in Philadelphia. After graduation from high school Bud was encouraged by one of his teachers to apply to the US Coast Guard Academy. He was accepted in 1968, right out of high school, with a full scholarship to attend the Academy.
William Blair: Max the Medic
William Maxie Blair, who goes by Max, grew up on the south side of Chicago in the Englewood neighborhood. He has a younger brother who also served in the Army during Vietnam. Both brothers will be traveling together with Honor Flight Chicago in October.
Mike DeSmedt: The Army Chose Him
Some experiences leave a lasting mark. For Mike DeSmedt, his tour of duty in Vietnam is one of them. Still, he wouldn’t hesitate to do it all over again. “I had to do something I wouldn’t have volunteered for,” he says.
Andrew C. Reitz: Personifying a ‘Can-Do’ Attitude
Andrew C. “Andy” Reitz witnessed the “fireworks” of the 1968 Tet Offensive from his Seabee barracks at Da Nang. He personified the Seabee “Can Do” attitude as a journeyman carpenter, equipment operator and construction foreman.
Chris Argianas: Feeling Like He Can Do Anything
Chris Argianas was born in Cicero, Illinois on April 3, 1934. Both of Chris’ parents were immigrants from Greece. Chris and his family stayed in Cicero for twelve years before moving to Brookfield, Illinois, where his parents had their own little family store.
Gilbert High: Inside the Army Security Agency
Growing up, Gilbert High dreamed of being a journalist or perhaps a teacher, and while he didn’t envision the Army being the key to achieving those goals, that’s exactly what happened.
Myron Gulych: A World Traveler
He’s a vagabond, a nomad, a traveler. He has lived in Costa Rica, in Thailand, in Cuba, on a sailboat in the Caribbean, even in the Cayman Islands. But he has never owned a house. He is a pilot, a scuba diver, a motorcycle rider, a ham radio operator with friends all over the world.
Daniel Burress: Proud to be a Marine
Daniel Burress still remembers the icy snow and the sting of the gusty wind. He was among hundreds of Marine recruits stuck high on a mountain in Southern California. Their two-week, cold weather war games were over but they weren’t going anywhere.
Highlights from our 125th flight
Our penultimate mission of 2025 was both our 125th flight and marked the 12,000th senior war hero we have transported to Washington, D.C., in honor of their service and sacrifice for our nation.
John Stajic: Water was his Destiny
John Stajic was the only child of immigrant parents. John‘s mother immigrated from Borning, Germany and his father from Yugoslavia. The Stajics immigrated to the United States after John was born in Germany. While John was not a citizen, he was able to join the United States Navy in 1967
Frank Trout: The Walking Dead
For a long time, Frank Trout didn’t know the whole story of how he was shot in the head and left for dead on a riverbed in a thick, black, steaming Vietnamese jungle. Or how he was later sealed and zipped into a body bag—yet managed to make it out alive.
Emery Myers: The stresses of air traffic control
As an Air Traffic Controller, Emery spent his Air Force career staring at a radar screen in a dark, windowless room. Being an Air Traffic Controller is a stressful job anywhere but in Da Nang, Vietnam, with mortars targeting his building, it was not just stressful but also dangerous.
Denny Perz: The Brown Water Navy
Dennis, or Denny as he prefers to be called, grew up in Hammond, IN. He signed up for the Navy 2-3 days after he turned 18. His older brother, who had been in the Army, tried to talk him out of it, but he signed up anyway.
Rodney Franklin: Born to Fly
The desire to fly has been at the heart of nearly everything Rodney Franklin has done in his life, including graduating college, becoming an Air Force fighter pilot, a pilot instructor, and even air taxi operator in Hawaii.
Arnold Oskin: Helping traumatized soldiers come home
Even a decade before Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome got its official name, PFC Arnie Oskin was immersed in evaluating and helping traumatized soldiers coming home from Vietnam.
Bill Haines: Cold War Target
U.S. military history is rich with unsung heroes – individuals whose behind-the-scenes contributions have quietly shaped the course of events. Take Bill Haines, for example, a Korean War veteran, who will be honored for his service this month.
Joe Inserro: Good News and Bad News
Joseph (Joe) Inserro was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island until the age of 10. From there, his family moved to Cicero, Illinois and he settled in Elmhurst, Illinois which he considers his home town.
Doug Vines: ‘If You’re Going to be One, be a Big Red One’
For some, service is a choice; for Doug Vines, it was a calling woven into the fabric of his family. Guided by an unwavering sense of duty, he followed in the footsteps of his father and uncle, trading a college campus for the jungles of Vietnam in 1969.
William Trader: ‘A Matter of Survival’
William A. Trader (“Bill”) was born on July 17, 1943, in Louisville, KY. He grew up in Philadelphia, attended and graduated from Philadelphia’s Central High School in 1961. Bill was a three-sport athlete competing in football, basketball, and baseball.
David Yost: A. Strong Sense of Patriotism
David Yost was born in 1953 in the Jackson Park area of Chicago. His family had an extensive military background, with his father being awarded a Purple Heart while serving in the Korean War, and two uncles also serving in the military, one in Korea and one in Vietnam.
Highlights from our 124th flight
“Fifty-Five years later, but so much greater!” That’s the tagline Vietnam War veteran Joe Widlarz “made up” to describe his experience aboard HFC124 on August 20, 2025.
Donald Asher: B-52s, the Eye of a Hurricane and Johnny Depp
Don Asher's life has been filled with front-row views of history—a major plane crash, flying into the eye of a hurricane, taking pictures of the President of the United States, running local newspapers, and even acting in a movie with Johnny Depp.
John Imburgia: Coming to grips with ‘The Walking Dead’
Jack Imburgia saw a lot of bloodshed while in The First Battalion Ninth Marines, but he wasn’t able to fully understand the magnitude of the carnage until nearly two decades later, when he finally started to come to grips with what he had endured there.
Carl Adams: Patrolling with the dogs
Nineteen-year-olds are invincible. Give them a gun, send them out into the dark of night in a foreign country with only a dog as companion, tell them to look for the enemy, and they’ll do it. No questions asked.
Glen Heinold: ‘The Good Lord looked after me’
Glen Heinold spent a year in Cu Chi, Vietnam, without being fired at by the enemy. He was an ambulance driver on the Army base, and when asked, drove the medics to the local villages.
Robert Ahern: ‘The rest is gravy’
At the age of 21, Robert boarded a plane and headed off to Vietnam. His plane stopped in Japan, where he saw an episode of the Lone Ranger in Japanese and thought it was pretty funny. But the fun would soon end.
William John McLaughlin: Flying under the radar
As a child, William “Bill” McLaughlin took his first flight in a float plane and thought little of it. Yet, two decades later, Bill found himself flying again, this time as a Naval aviator in Vietnam, helping save lives during the final chapters of the war.
Highlights from our 123rd flight
On a beautifully mild mid-July day, HFC123 arrived in Washington, D.C., carrying three Korean War and 112 Vietnam War veterans on their long-awaited day of honor, thanks, and inspiration.
Joe Furgal: An American Security agent
After JFK was assassinated, Joe decided that while he believed killing was a sin, he was willing to volunteer to serve in the military if that would put him in a position to potentially protect a good man like Kennedy.
Ed Fitzpatrick: Sentinel of heroes
It’s the silence that the old soldier remembers most vividly. The still quiet that hung like a cloud over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, whether under the hot, humid, blue sky or alone in the black Virginia night.
Clifford Struthers: Not one to be idle
The ships just kept coming. It was April of 1975, the closing days of the Vietnam War. Aircraft carriers, destroyer escorts, freight vessels, even smaller fishing vessels were arriving in Guam loaded with thousands of evacuees fleeing South Vietnam.
Michael James ‘Doc’ Deaville: ‘I was lucky’
Mike (“Doc”) was deployed overseas to Vietnam from October 1969 to October 1970 as a combat medic (corpsman). He spent time at LZ Baldy and LZ Ross during his deployment, with 3/7 1st Marine Division.
Larry Pluhar: Learning to fly
As was customary for an 18-year-old, Larry reported to the draft board in late October 1966 just after his birthday. He looked around and spied a rack of pamphlets each featuring Army service options. One caught his attention: “You can learn to fly.”
Juan Sandoval: A life of service
At 17-years-old Juan Sandoval was academically bored with high school and looking for a change of scenery so he enlisted in the Marines. For over 50 years his military career offered him plenty of that in hot spots like Bosnia and Iraq.
Daniel Ehart: A life on pause
On September 11, 1965, Daniel Ehart married his sweetheart, Linda, whom he met on a blind date a year earlier. The couple looked forward to building their lives together, but four years later, the Vietnam War put those plans on pause.
Franz Perfect: Radar man
“Radar Man” was a critical job during the Vietnam Era. Surveillance and intelligence were paramount in tracking enemy movements. Locating potential ambushes and guiding gunship attacks were part of the mission of the radar man.
Ed Donohue: A learning experience
After graduating high school in 1962, Ed decided to enlist in the Navy. His dad was for him signing up, calling the Navy the ‘King Cruize’. His mom on the other hand was not happy with his choice.
Robert Klodnicki: ‘Tanks’ for your service
Robert grew up in Chicago's far South Side area commonly known as South Deering. He attended St. Francis de Sales High School but dropped out in 1968 to work and help support the family.
Highlights from our 122nd flight
On June 18, Honor Flight Chicago brought one World War II, four Korean War, and 105 Vietnam War Veterans — as well as our as our inaugural Gold Star family — to Washington, D.C.
Alfred Weedon: A Life of Resilience
“I don’t consider I did anything spectacular,” Alfred Weedon insists. But after talking with him, it’s clear that his definition of “just doing what was told of me” involved extraordinary courage and resilience during the Vietnam War.
Andrew Michnowski: Learning what war is
Andrew “Andy” Michnowski was born in Brexham, England, on January 11, 1949. His parents and their family, Polish citizens, had been deported to Siberian labor camps by the Soviet Union as a result of the German and Soviet conquest of Poland in 1939.
Harry Eng: The Army turned his life around
Harry Eng graduated from Chicago’s Senn High School with honors and was ready to repeat his academic success as a pre-med student at the University of Illinois. During his sophomore year, however, he switched his major, lost his way, and was invited to take a semester off.
James Miller: ‘We had no idea what to expect’
Jim Miller's journey is a testament to resilience and the unexpected turns life can take. From the apprehension of being drafted to facing intense combat and a life-altering injury, Jim's story highlights the profound impact of the Vietnam War.
Kenneth Christy: Still seeing shrapnel
Kenneth ‘Ken’ Christy lived his life as an adrenaline addict, from breaking horses at the age of 15, being awarded a Silver Star in Vietnam after being in country for 19 days and working as a fire fighter in Indiana. “I’ve always had to have an adrenaline rush.”
David Stevens: Sticking to his decision
David Stevens was born in Elgin, Illinois in 1950. When he was a boy he saw the film “The Fighting Sullivans,” about five brothers who died when their cruiser was sunk during World War II, and he knew what he wanted to do with his life—join the Navy.
James Cleary: Marine turned detective
What do the US Marines, the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County Sheriff’s Department have in common? Jim Cleary. At 96, the former Chicago PD detective has left footprints in some of Chicago’s most memorable moments.
Alan Hoeksema: Witness to Friendly Fire
Shortly after graduating high school, and having no immediate intentions of going to college, Alan was classified by the selective service as 1-A and upon reaching the age of twenty, Alan received his official “induction letter” to report for military service.
Highlights from our 121st flight
In May of 2005, the very first Honor Flight brought a handful of WWII veterans from Ohio to their newly opened Memorial in Washington, D.C. The trip was so impactful that a nationwide movement soon took root.
Thomas Messenger: ‘The Army brought out the best in me’
Tom Messenger’s story is one of service and selective adventure. From his time as a Flight Engineer in Vietnam to serving a U.S. President and becoming an author, Tom’s journey is a testament to his resilience and spirit.
James ‘Hop’ Phillips: An ambitious yet humble servant
Surprisingly, James Phillips didn’t get the nickname “Hop” in the service, as many do. He’s had it since childhood. Growing up on a farm in Mazon, Illinois, where they had ponies, his favorite TV show was Hopalong Cassidy.
Edward Bosic: A proud fighter pilot
Edward Bosic, age 8, and family had just finished Sunday dinner at home. His mother sent him to the nearby ice cream store for dessert. As soon as he entered the store its owner asked, “Did you hear what happened? We got bombed?”
Frank Haggerty: Bridge of no return
The DMZ -- demilitarized zone -- on both sides of the 38th Parallel ceasefire line was created at the end of the Korean War by pulling back the respective forces 1.2 miles along each side of the line. Located within the DMZ is the “Truce Village” of Panmunjom.
James Cox: Ready to fly
By the age of 18, James Cox had never flown in any type of aircraft. Despite that fact, he wanted to fly helicopters so he enlisted in the Army. He was given that opportunity twice in Vietnam.
Patricia Knight: A career comes full circle
The words came slowly, spoken with deep feeling. Major Patricia Knight (USAF retired) tried to reflect on her distinguished 21 years of service in the United States Air Force. Tears welled up in her eyes as she searched for words.
Bruce Engel: Finding his own way
Bruce Engel used his mechanical and problem-solving skills to keep personnel and supplies moving in Vietnam. Getting to and from Southeast Asia wasn’t quite so simple.
David Wegner: Living a hands-on mechanical life
When David was just 7 years old, his mother died from complications during child birth. There were eight children in his family and David's father was simply not equipped to take care of 8 children on his own.
John Cosentino: A passion for helping others
John Cosentino was born into a large, old-school Italian family in Orland Park in 1952. He describes himself as a mediocre student, but there was always a part of him that believed he could achieve bigger things if he had more self-discipline.
Highlights from our 120th flight
The 2025 season – our 17th! – debuted on Wednesday, April 9, with 113 senior war heroes aboard a Southwest 737-800 bound for Washington, D.C. Included in that number were one WWII veteran and 12 Korean War veterans in addition to 100 Vietnam War veterans.
Jay Tunney: Son of a Champ
For Jonathan “Jay” Tunney’s eighth birthday, he went to see his favorite performer, Roy Rogers, at Madison Square Garden, which in and of itself wasn’t that unusual for a kid in the early 1940s. What was unusual was that during the show, Roy stopped to point out Jay’s dad in the audience, and the crowd started cheering.
Ron Parker: Shake and bake
When Ronald “Ron” Parker was drafted into the Army he was assigned to the infantry. He said he loved being an infantryman, even when he served in Vietnam. So much so that when he became an officer with other options available, he asked to be assigned to the infantry.
Shelley Morrison: Navy Trailblazer
One of Shelley Morrison's earliest pictures shows a chubby-cheeked infant in overalls sitting on a sofa clutching her father’s white Navy hat with both hands as it sits precariously on her little head. Her father was a Navy lifer. It was the life she wanted for herself.
Bob Rein: Chasing radioactive clouds
Airman Bob Rein is onboard a WC-135B weather ship as it skims over the polar ice cap at 5,000 feet. Too fast and high to see polar bears. Collecting air samples from Chinese and Russian nuclear tests is today’s mission.
Larry Nazimek: A veterans advocate
Larry Nazimek comes from a long line of veterans. His grandfather served in World War I. His father and uncle both served in World War II. His childhood goal was to fly. Even as a small boy in the sandbox, he had his eyes on the planes flying overhead.
Ron Miller: From mine sweeping to autoclaving
Ron Miller was born and raised in East Chicago, IN. While in the third grade, tragedy struck the family when their house caught fire and burned to the ground. Ron’s mother was a single mom with three young children.
Doug Ermel: It couldn’t get any worse
Doug Ermel was born December 31, 1948, and narrowly missed being Chicago’s first child of the New Year by a couple of hours. That timing quirk brought his family luck and set the tone years later during his experiences in Vietnam.
Highlights from our 119th flight
We did it! With the completion of a phenomenal HFC119 mission, our 2024 flight season came to a close. Exactly 800 senior war heroes received their long-deserved Day of Honor, Thanks, and Inspiration in our nation’s capital this year.
Thomas Dilley: ‘Why take it out on us? We were kids.’
At just 18, Thomas “Tom” Dilley walked into the draft board in Harvey, Illinois, determined to accelerate his enlistment for the Vietnam War.
Kenneth ‘Burgy’ Burmeister: ‘I was lucky as can be’
Ken "Burgy" Burmeister was 19-years-old when he moved up his draft number in August 1969 to choose service in the Army, following in his father's footsteps.
Bob Baron: A very spicy life
If variety is the spice of life, then Bob Baron can tell you, his life has been very spicy. Bob describes himself as a “war baby”, born in 1942 in Brooklyn, New York, the second of four boys.
Frank Gillie Jr.: Memories of War
The small black-and-white photograph has faded with time, but now it means even more to Frank Gillie Jr. He picks it up carefully and holds it reverently in his cupped hands, as he shows it to me.
Jamie Rivera: South Korea’s importance to the Vietnam War
Like so many young men, Jaime was drafted into the army in 1967. The United States was concerned about the spread of communism throughout Southeast Asia.
Richard Raish: Touring Europe
A Navy veteran, Ricardo would admit that he could host tours of several European capitals based on his vast experience during “Med cruises” on the carrier USS Intrepid (CVA-11).
Michael Collins: A legacy of service
Mike Collins learned a few things about helping others while growing up as the eldest of nine children — lessons that helped him in the Air Force, in law enforcement, and through community service.
Ronald Matonovich: I finally applied myself when I joined the Navy
Ronald Matonovich grew up in the Hessville neighborhood in Hammond, Indiana. Ron was the oldest of five children all living in a two bedroom, one bathroom house.
Robert Smith: Everyone in the Army is a soldier
According to Robert Smith, no matter what job you had in the Army, you were a soldier. When they needed you to pick up a rifle, that’s what you did.
Bob Falkman: Driving a ‘kiddie cruise’
Both of Bob Falkman’s parents served in the US Army during World War II, his father as a lieutenant in the Supply Corps and his mother as a nurse. They met in Algiers and married shortly after returning home from overseas.
Highlights from our 118th flight
“I have no idea if this is the normal monthly parade, but it was nothing like I’ve ever experienced in my life. I personally think it will change the rest of his life. I just want you to know you made a difference in someone’s life.”
James ‘Big Jim’ Schlegel: Scars are tattoos with better stories
Ever wonder how someone gets interested in or decides to sign up to serve? For Jim Schlegel, he recalls hearing about Dr. Tom Dooley. Dr. Dooley was on board a ship that transported North Vietnamese Christians out of the area.
Bernadette Sanner: Women of War — The Vietnam Nurses
Bernadette “Bernie” Sanner always dreamed of being a nurse from the time she was a little girl growing up in East Chicago, Indiana. The nurses in Bernie’s unit all worked together very closely wherever they were needed.
Bob Shervino: The Hungry Hero
It might surprise you to learn what Bob Shervino remembers first when people ask about serving as an infantryman in Vietnam. “God was I hungry,” he says. It’s 55 years later, but the pained look on his face makes it seem like yesterday.
Donald Hendrick: Guns and Choices
Donald Hendrick, born in 1948, grew up in The Cabrini Green complex. He was the youngest of four children. The exposure to gangs and guns did not make for a warm fuzzy childhood.
Mike Ahasic: A gut-wrenching experience
During his first two years of service, Army life was pretty good for Mike Ahasic. Everything changed during his third year, however, when he served in Vietnam. More than 50 years later, his emotions are still raw.
Don Ehrhart: An Unexpected Story
Upon graduating from high school, Don Ehrhart visited his local Navy recruiter and enlisted in July, 1968, deferring his reporting day to October. Don worked with his father who had a construction business and completed his testing and the required physical examination.
Ivan Lee White: Falling in love with flying
Ivan Lee White was born in 1943 while his dad served in the Army overseas. As he and his younger brother later learned, his dad fought in Europe with General George Patton’s Third Army.
Donald Taylor: How sweet it is
Don was the DJ in Qui Nhon and his sign-on slogan on the Music Machine show was, “How sweet it is! Hello out there in Qui Nhon Land!” Qui Nhon was one of the six areas in Vietnam that broadcasted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Craig and Laurel Schilling: Newlyweds enlist together
When Laurel and Craig Schilling walked down the aisle in May of 1972, they had no idea their plan to return to college safely ensconced in married student housing was never meant to be.
Michael Embrey: Dedicated to making a difference
Once he realized he was being drafted, Michael followed the lead of a few friends and auditioned for the Air Force military band. They didn’t have an opening then, so he started basic training at a temporary base in Amarillo, Texas.
Highlights from our 117th flight
August 28 proved to be one of the hottest days of the year in Washington, D.C., and yet, 116 eager senior war veterans never wavered in their desire to experience their Day of Honor, Thanks, and Inspiration in our nation’s capital!
Jerry Zabel: ‘My Way of Paying Back America’
Jerry Zabel was born in 1947 just outside of Munich, Germany. His mother and father, who met shortly after World War II while working at a clothing factory, were both survivors of the Holocaust; having endured life in concentration camps at the forefront.
Matthew, Donald, and Thomas Latham: A Family Legacy
Imagine a family of eleven children reared on the near west side of Chicago which sent all the men, brothers and brothers-in-law alike, into service of our country. This is the Latham family legacy.
Dr. Richard Lee: Chance, Leadership, and Pride
Dr. Richard Lee was sure of one thing as he shipped out for Vietnam in May of 1969. “I knew I was going to die,” he says with the calm, matter-of-fact assurance of a seasoned clinician accustomed to facing hard truths.
Denise Kennedy: A Nurse in the Army
It was a childhood plagued with asthma and multiple hospital stays that first put the thought of nursing into Denise O’Leary Kennedy’s head. She saw so many nurses during those early years she couldn’t help but admire them.
Ron Wills: Propelled to Serve
Ronald “Ron” Wills was born and raised in Saybrook, a small town in Central Illinois where Ron’s father farmed while his mother raised Ron, his brother and three sisters, and helped run the machinery with the best of them.
Stuart Poticha: A Surgeon in War
Dr. Stuart Poticha grew up on the north side of Chicago near Wrigley Field. His father was a flight surgeon in the Marine Corps during World War II.
Donald Clarke: Fighting for America
Donald Clarke was born near Boston in 1948 and grew up next to the Revere Beach amusement park and boardwalk. His family has a strong history of fighting for the United States.
Highlights from our 116th flight
Two years after celebrating our 100th flight, and one year after bringing our 10,000th veteran to Washington, D.C., our July 24, 2024 mission saw yet another historic milestone: The 11,000th hero to travel to our nation’s capital with Honor Flight Chicago.
Colonel Dennis Shea: Citizen / Soldier
Colonel (Retired) Dennis Shea embodies citizenship. Dennis’s military story begins as a freshman at Depaul University. Freshmen were required to participate in ROTC.
Don Ramsbottom: ‘Send him to Vietnam’
Growing up as the youngest in his family, Donald “Don” Ramsbottom learned how to leverage speed and agility to excel. These traits proved invaluable during his service in the Vietnam War.
Lloyd Busse: A Humble Hero
A U.S. Army helicopter dangled precariously over the battlefield. Wounded soldiers needed help. Right Now. Speed was critical. But every time the pilot tried to touch down fierce enemy gunfire erupted.
Arthur, Charles, and Thomas Miller: The Miller Brothers
Arthur “Arty”, Charles “Charlie”, and Thomas “Tom” Miller grew up in a family of eleven on the Southside of Chicago. They had two younger brothers and six sisters.
Norbert and David Shebish: I’m Proud of My Brother
Norbert and David grew up in the quaint town of Whiting, Indiana. They come from a family of seven, with their mother also being from Whiting. Both Norb and David served in Vietnam.
John Wander: Taking Care in South Korea
John Wander was born in 1941 and raised in Downers Grove. His parents were both the children of immigrants, and they both faced significant challenges when they were growing up.
William ‘Bill’ Koc: Learning to Fly
William “Bill” Koc was born in the city of Stickney, IL in October 1946. Bill was one of twelve children (being #3 himself). He remembers always being surrounded by family.
Thomas ‘Tom’ Kelly: ‘We like tough guys’
Tom Kelly grew up in Oak Lawn, then moved to Chicago where his father was a Chicago police officer. Tom was the middle child of 3. There were family members who also served in the military.
Donald McCollough: The Art of Firefighting
Donald W. McCollough, born near the small town of Jewett, Illinois, was the middle child of a family of eight. His parents, Harold and Ethel, worked on a farm that grew sugar cane.
Highlights from our 115th flight
On June 19, 112 senior veterans boarded Southwest Flight 8037 bound for Washington’s Dulles International Airport and their long-awaited Day of Honor, Thanks and Inspiration with Honor Flight Chicago. Four Korean War veterans and 108 Vietnam War veterans comprised that total.
Jerome and Richard Corcoran: A Band of Brothers
The Corcoran brothers grew up on the far south side of Chicago in a family of 11 children. Jerome (Jerry) was number 9 and Richard (Rich) was number 10 of 11 children. There were seven boys and four girls in the family.
Dan Rittenhouse: Service in multiple languages
The eldest of eight children, Dan Rittenhouse learned early on how to adapt and serve – two themes that played major roles in his military career and throughout his life.
Daniel ‘Sarge’ Syniar: ‘A Million-Dollar Wound’
Sarge was on patrol in Vietnam walking point with his M-60 down a narrow trail. A tracer round whizzed, cracked, past him to his right. He immediately rotated his body to the left when a second round hit him in the chest exiting through his back just missing his lung.
Daniel Sowonik: ‘All gave some and some gave all’
Daniel Edward Sowonik was born on October 16, 1947. For the first 14 years of his life (as an only child) Daniel lived in a small town in Wisconsin, north of Wisconsin Dells, with his parents and grandparents.
Richard O’Connor: ‘How the hell did I survive all that?’
When you drive up to the lovely Lemont home of Dick and Pat O'Connor, you are greeted by blooming flowers in a meticulously landscaped yard, a White Sox flag in the front garden, and the U.S. flag flying high.
Richard Hanson: Learning lessons in a war zone
Lessons learned in a war zone can last you a lifetime, assuming you make it home alive. Sergeant Dick Hanson learned quickly that taking pictures from the turret of a tank on the front lines of Korea can get you killed.
Jerome Koutny: Heading into the tunnels
Jerome Koutny was sent to Vietnam as an infantryman and then volunteered for one of the more dangerous jobs as a tunnel rat, looking for the enemy by going into their tunnels.
Bob Walker: Stationed on Vietnam’s southeast corner
Bob Walker’s father was a career Navy man who served on a minesweeper clearing obstacles before D-Day and then spent the days after the invasion recovering bodies and parts of bodies from the water.
Highlights from our 114th flight
Our 114th flight and the second of the 2024 season saw 115 veterans travel together to Washington, D.C., on May 15. Among them were one WWII Veteran, one Korean War veteran, and 113 Vietnam Veterans.
Greg Dittemore: Danger, Chance & Reconciliation
Suddenly, the still, black night exploded. Air Force Sgt. Greg Dittemore heard a big boom, as a flash that looked like lightning crackled across the sky.
Bob Gatenby: ‘They didn’t know I was out in the field’
Robert “Bob” Gatenby’s wife and family thought he was comfortably stationed in a base camp during his time in Vietnam. His reality, however, was the exact opposite.
Robert Carnagey: Providing hope in combat
Bob Carnagey arrived in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. Even though he was a non-combatant, he said death was all around him
Richard Shannon: ‘God was with me’
This story begins with a young boy from the southside of Chicago. As he lies in his bed, looking at the church steeples just outside his bedroom window, he dreams of one day becoming a Catholic priest.
James Duhig: ‘The luckiest SOB alive’
When James stepped off the plane from Vietnam and his feet touched the ground in Hawaii, he got on his knees and kissed the ground. He remembers thinking to himself “you are the luckiest SOB alive”.
Dennis Mitzner: Dedicating a life of service to his country
Dennis' first deployment came in 1968, in Turkey on the Black Sea Coast. He was responsible for monitoring missiles and spacecraft. There was only one adversary when he was first deployed; there were two at the end of his service.
Bill Holic Jr.: Riding the waves
Guantánamo Bay, Cuba/Bermuda/ Pearl Harbor/San Diego/Norfolk/ Vietnam — Fortunately, Bill Holic, Jr., liked to travel and travel he did. Thirty years in the Navy certainly gives him the title of “lifer”.
Tom William Davidson: Launching more than 7,000 combat sorties
Like most young men, high school graduation found Tom William Davidson vulnerable for the draft. He passed his induction physical and then enlisted in the Navy. "As a kid I always wanted to get in the Navy,” he said.
Mike J. Ryan: We were always on guard
Mike was recognized for serving as an Army Sergeant from July 1967 to July 1969, serving a year in Vietnam as part of the Combat Infantry Division. Mike received a Purple Heart for an injury he suffered during his service.
Highlights from our 113th flight
On April 10, we opened our 16th flight season with HFC113 comprising three WWII, 11 Korean War and 101 Vietnam Veterans traveling together to our nation’s capital.
Rufus Hall: Pondering at the age of 91
Glenn Hall, affectionately known as Rufus, was born in Idlewild, Tennessee. Rufus was the middle child of a family of seven. Idlewild was a small farm town of about 300 people.
Ken Molnaire: An essential component of Patton’s Third Army
Born 99 years ago this March, Kenneth “Ken” Molnaire grew up in Chicago. Living in Edison Park he attended Ebinger School, graduating in 1939.
Donna Cooley: Paving the way for future generations
Donna Cooley enlisted in the Army at a time when military duties that were traditionally done by men started opening up to women. She said “it was a tough time for women because the Army wasn’t prepared and didn’t know what to do with us.”
John Ashford: A remarkable rise from Private to Major
Major John Ashford knew he was in a bad situation on that dangerous day in Bosnia in 1996. What he didn’t know was how fast it was going to go from bad to worse.
Thomas Legg: A man of many skills
Thomas Legg grew up in North Hammond, Indiana. His father, a World War II veteran, was in the Civil Defense and was a very strict man. Tom was in the Boys Scouts and also took first aid courses for his medical merit badges.
Mike Di Benedetto: A good Chicago kid grows up in Korea
The Korean War Legacy Foundation website encourages visitors to “imagine being a young soldier thrust into a foreign country thousands of miles away to fight a war.”
Highlights from our 112th flight
“I started the day with a hole in my heart, and now it's halfway filled.” Those words were spoken by a teary-eyed Veteran as he de-planed from #HFC112 last month and entered his Welcome Home parade so many decades in coming.
Donald Talbot: Feigning death to survive
Don Talbot spent his first years with parents, Walter and Helen, in their home on the southside of Chicago. Upon completing 7th grade at Madison Grade School, Walter and Helen, with Don and his siblings, Barb, Wally and Bobby, moved to their new home in Harvey, Illinois.
Bruce Hansen: We take care of them, they take care of us
Bruce Hansen's military career began when he told his Dad, a Marine Raider during WWII, that he would follow in his footsteps and enlist in the Marines. It was 1968, and 18-year-old Bruce was working as a carpenter/laborer, trying to get ahead of the Vietnam draft.
Johnnie Williams: A well trained soldier
Johnnie Williams grew up in Gary, IN the oldest of 12 children. After graduating high school in 1961, he worked at White Castle for three years. He and his cousin were the first blacks ever to work at White Castle in Hammond, IN
Joseph Phelan: A silver star for gallantry
On March 2, 1965, Joseph P. (“Joe”) Phelan flew his rescue helicopter to pick up a downed fighter pilot in North Vietnam. By doing so he participated in the first air rescue in the North.
Raymond Gervais: Determined to stay active
Talking with WWII Veteran Raymond Gervais, he said “I always wanted to be doing something”, from his WWII and Korean days, to playing volleyball in his 60’s, or working with his canine search and rescue team. He has certainly kept himself active.
William ‘Cecil’ Johnson: No mission impossible, no sacrifice too great
William “Cecil” Johnson celebrated his 18th birthday in 1954 by joining the army with the intention of becoming a ”lifer”.
Highlights from our 111th flight
September 20 was the penultimate flight for our 2023 Honor Flight Chicago season with 116 veterans traveling to yet another gorgeous weather day in our nation’s capital.
Joseph Varanauski: Never give up the guard
“I was, and still am, proud, humbled and honored to have been chosen to be a Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.”
Ignacio Rodriguez: From Crew Chief To Welcome Home Organizer
Ignacio ‘Nacho’ says he’s a Navy man that never set foot on a ship. Still, he’s proud of his naval service as a crew chief on a C-121 Constellation known as the Typhoon Tracker that traveled throughout the Pacific.
Larry Krog: The Phantom Marine
It would be an understatement to say that Larry Krog always made up his own mind.
Harry DeBruin: A Prayer Made and Answered
Harry DeBruin grew up in a house with a horse stable near Lansing, IL. His family owned 50 horses and they boarded an additional 50 horses.
Jesse Kimp: Cold War Warrior
While political powers battled for supremacy during the Cold War, Airman Jesse Kimp was just trying to keep warm while serving late night guard duty in Alaska Territory.
Joseph Lombardi: Serving and Protecting
Joseph Lombardi was born in Chicago in 1947 and raised in the Cragin neighborhood on the northwest side of the city. His father had served under George Patton in World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
Roger Dexter: A Fiery Experience
Roger Dexter was born in Melrose Park, Illinois in 1945, the fourth of five children. His father served in the Army in World War II but was never sent overseas, in part because of the large number of children he had.
Highlights from our 110th flight
While Chicago scorched under a triple-digit heat index, it was a relatively cool and comfortable day in D.C. in the low 80s for our one WWII, seven Korean War, and 101 Vietnam War veterans.
James Parker: From Celebrant to Celebrated
Longtime Honor Flight Chicago volunteer James “Jim” Parker usually wears an orange shirt on flight days, signifying his role in supporting the honored veterans. On flight day this month, Jim will put on a gray shirt, symbolizing he’s one of the veterans being celebrated on HFC flight #110.
Gloria Kerzner: Wanting to Serve Her Country
It was the uniform that first caught her eye. Not the bell bottoms that the boys wore, but the deep blue, tailored cut of the WAVE uniform that brought Gloria Harnett Kerzner to the Navy recruitment office in 1944.
James K. Sawyer: Reluctant Yet Proud
James Sawyer called himself a reluctant soldier but he said there was never a question in his mind that he wouldn’t report to the induction center when he was drafted in 1970.
George Pearson: An Elvis Welcome Home
As wounded personnel were brought in for treatment, George Pearson placed heavy fire on the enemy to protect the wounded soldiers. With complete disregard for his safety, he constantly exposed himself to keep a base of fire on the enemy, causing them to withdraw after suffering numerous casualties.
Charles Ohrn: Making a Deal
Charles Ohrn was born in Chicago and grew up in the suburb of Park Ridge. He was the middle son of three boys and had one sister. His older brother served in the US Army in Germany and his younger brother in the US Navy, based in Iceland.
William ‘Bill Ward: Unrelenting loyalty, initiative, and perseverance
"Awesome" is how Bill Ward describes his experience on July 12, 2023, when he traveled from Chicago to Washington, D.C., as a respected guest of the Honor Flight Chicago program.
George Kane: An unexpected military influence
The Reverend George Kane, or rather Fr. George as he prefers to be called, grew up on Chicago’s Northwest side as the second child in a family of four.
Highlights from our 109th flight
On a sultry day in D.C., 111 veterans comprising one WWII, eight Korean War, and 102 Vietnam War heroes dodged raindrops in Chicago to receive their long-deserved Day of Honor, Thanks, and Inspiration in [...]
Duane Buttell, Jr.: Guy In Back for a Mig-21 Victory
Bastille Day, July 14, 1966, a day Duane Buttell, Jr. will remember forever! He was flying in the lead F-4 of four fighters tasked to provide MiG cover for three F-105s (“Thuds”) attacking surface to air missile (SAM) sites near Hanoi.
James Hoder Jr. and James Hoder Sr.: The Navy is a Family Affair
The Navy is a family affair for the Hoders. James Sr. and James Jr. have the distinction of being just the second father/son duo to fly as honored veterans together on an Honor Flight Chicago mission.
Scott Phillips: Yellow Shirt Aboard the ‘Tico’
“I had the best time of my life. I would do it all over and I wouldn’t change nothin. I got to see the world and I’ve got brothers.” Those are the words of Scott Phillips 50 years after serving aboard the USS Ticonderoga in the early 1970s.
Fred Cagle: A Free Spirit Becomes an Army Careerist
Coming from a multi-generation family of coal miners, Fred was born in Hazard, Kentucky, to Columbus and Lois Jean Cagle. Watching his father going to work in the mines during his younger years, Fred attended school and assisted his mother with chores around the house.
James “Jim” Davidson: Three Times is Not Always a Charm
On August 5, 1967, Jim Davidson’s draft notice arrived in the mail. Six months later, he was an Army grunt in Vietnam. Now, some 56 years later, he remembers the details of every firefight he was in and still can’t get his arms around the fact he made it home while many of his brothers in arms didn’t.
Highlights from our 108th flight
HFC108 on Flag Day featured 119 veterans traveling to Washington, D.C., matching the most heroes Honor Flight Chicago has transported on a single flight. Eight Korean War, one Korean and Vietnam War, and 110 Vietnam War veterans comprised that total.
Donald Strauss: A Vietnam Journey
If you admire people with a strong work ethic, you’ll want to help celebrate Donald “Don” Strauss when he joins Honor Flight Chicago’s 108th flight on June 14.
Russell Caforio: A surprising draft
Heading into the physical, Russ did not have much stress as he was currently carrying a 4F from his bad knee and now having a compression fracture vertebrae, there was no way he would be called to serve, or so he thought.
Kent Nylander: From Sailing the Great Lakes to Sailing the Pacific
Kent's father was a professor in foreign languages and his mother a librarian. His older brother retired as a Colonel in the Air Force and one of his younger brothers also was an Officer in the US Air Force. Thus, military life was not foreign to Kent.
Nathaniel ‘Nate’ Holmes: From Wire Reels to High Heels
Nate Holmes grew up in a rough neighborhood on the West side of Chicago with six sisters and one brother. Nate had a step-brother who was serving in the Army in Vietnam and saw news coverage of the war and wondered if he too could fight for his country like his step-brother.
Fred Hoffmeyer: Present For Atomic Bomb Testing
Fred Hoffmeyer was a young Marine when 70 years ago he was exposed to an atomic bomb test in the Nevada Testing Grounds. Despite that, he has lived a long and healthy life.
Roger Hoffman: A Survival Specialist
Roger Hoffman was born in Chicago in 1950, the son of a World War II Navy veteran. His father served on the destroyer USS Sterett and survived a kamikaze attack on his ship during the Battle of Okinawa. Twenty-seven years later, Roger would also serve his country on Okinawa.
Edward Cook: Special Category Army with Air Force
Edward Cook’s pending draft and love of planes led him to enlist in the Air Force as his first choice in 1952. He had also hoped to learn a trade while serving his country and applied for Army machinist school.
Willie Smith: Survival is the most important thing
Vietnam wasn’t really on his mind when Willie Floyd Smith decided to join the Army in 1966. Just a few months before, the 173rd Airborne Brigade had become the first US Army unit sent to South Vietnam. Willie was shipped to Vietnam in March of 1967.
Thomas ‘Lucky’ Honzik: Three decades of service
Tom's interest in military life started young and led to more than three decades of service. His passion for adventure, airplanes, travel, an infectious sense of humor, and dedication to service led him down an interesting path in the military that deserves both our appreciation and gratitude.
Highlights from our 107th flight
As the 113 veterans aboard HFC107 deplaned at Dulles International Airport shortly before 9:30 a.m. ET on May 10, Doug Meffley commented to a veteran that we had landed a few minutes early. His smiling retort: “Well technically we’re about five weeks late.”
Jack Sokol: Okinawa during the Korean War
“The Korea conflict was still continuing and everyone was getting drafted, pretty much as a sure thing before you turn 20-years-old.” Jack visited the local Air Force recruiter and then discussed his intentions with his parents.
Honor Delayed: HFC107 Postponed By Weather
Honor Flight Chicago's 107th Flight -- carrying our 10,000th veteran to Washington, D.C., -- was at the end of the runway yesterday morning, ready to depart for our nation's capital. That's when a developing weather situation [...]
Mark Bonen: Serving Beyond the Barbed Wire in Vietnam
Many years have passed since Mark Bonen’s two tours in Vietnam, where he was responsible for the care of multimillion dollar fighter jets, to being called Grandpa Uber.
Jeffrey Wombold: A Decade of Deep-Sea Service
Growing up in Southern California, Jeffrey Wombold enjoyed the sea, but it didn’t truly consume him until he joined the Navy in 1971.
Raymond Szweda: A Chicago-Tough Marine
With the war in Vietnam going on, Ray was scared but, at the same time, he also wanted to honor his country. Within a few days, he was on his way to Camp Pendleton in CA for Basic Training.
Paul Waters: Providing Global Security for 25 Years
The Vietnam War was escalating, and Paul knew it would just be a matter of time before he was drafted. He considered joining the Marines but had a lifelong interest in airplanes and flying, so instead he joined the Air Force.
James Wilson: Interrogating Prisoners
Skip and his South Vietnamese interpreter partner interrogated North Vietnamese Army (NVA) prisoners. In accordance with Army intelligence procedures he wore no rank so that the prisoners would not know his status.
Richard Rock: Rock Solid Soldier
Richard served in Vietnam from July 1966 to July 1967. He’s thankful to God for protecting him while in Vietnam. He earned a number of awards, medals, honors and certifications during his enlistment. He is very much looking forward to his Honor Flight!
Highlights from our 106th flight
Each of the 113 veterans on HFC106 needed their Honor Flight Chicago experience, and we are so deeply proud of our entire organization from top to bottom for providing it.
Steven Wolff: Receiving the Bronze Star with Valor
Steven was one of five siblings born in Chicago, Illinois but raised in Dolton. His mom and dad met in Washington D.C. during World War II; his mom was in the Navy and his dad a Marine.
Harry Raftis: Diving with Sharks
Without any discussion with his parents, Harry stepped up to serve his country. As he stated, “We were in a World War and I wanted to serve. It wasn’t something I thought a great deal about… I just did what I had to do.”
Paul Stromborg, MD: Fill-er Up
Imagine you are flying a fighter or a bomber over the skies of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, or the Gulf of Tonkin and your jet is thirsty. Paul Stromborg’s KC-135 “Stratotanker” will fill up your fuel tanks.
Edward Helrigel: A Spur of the Moment Choice
High school wasn’t working out for Ed Helrigel, and as he walked home one fateful day, he passed an Army recruiting office. “I walked about a half block, turned around and went in and joined the Army,” says Helrigel.
James Mitchell: Humble Man Living a Blessed Life
James was born in 1944 in Birmingham, Alabama and graduated high school at the age of seventeen. He was offered a football scholarship in Texas but his family couldn’t afford the out of state tuition.
Charles Merritt: Agent Orange Survivor
Prior to being drafted, Charles “Sam” Merritt, had a fairly routine upbringing. Being the third born of six children of Charles and Mary Merritt, Sam grew up in New Haven, Illinois.
Clyde Hall Jr.: Squad Leader Through Minefields
Clyde Hall, Jr. was born in Mississippi in 1948, one of seven children and the son of a World War II veteran. When he was seven his family moved to Chicago, but after his sophomore year of high school, Clyde moved back to Mississippi to help out his grandparents who still lived there.
Daniel Tatar: Four Consecutive Tours of Duty
QM3 E-4 Daniel Walter Tatar grew up on the South Side of Chicago with a brother and a sister. He worked from a very young age: first delivering papers for a news stand in grammar school, then at Sears after school in high school.
John Tourtelot: Army Signal Corps Had the Coolest Patch
The son of a WWII Veteran and brother to 3 sisters, John Tourtelot grew up in Oak Park, IL. After his graduation from Oak Park High School, he attended Wright Jr. College where, in his own words, “he was not an overly dedicated student and had a pretty good time.”
Highlights from our 105th flight
“I have never seen a group of volunteers that are as SINCERE in their mission as the Honor Flight Chicago Volunteers," said a veteran on HFC105. "Not only is there an abundance of them, they are all the BEST!!!”
Jack Hilbrich: Serving in Counterintelligence
Before being drafted into the Army, Jack spent time at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN on a baseball scholarship as a pitcher. But when the military called, he answered.
Ronald Baltierra: Under Fire but Home Safe
Ron went to his draft office in early 1968 to ask why he hadn’t been drafted, and a month later he received his draft notice. In that sense, Ron says he volunteered to be drafted, although he recently discovered a twist to the story.
Joe Spinazzola: On the Brink of Nuclear War
Two months before Joe Spinazzola graduated high school, his father sat him down and presented three options for 17-year-old Joe’s future. One week later, Joe announced his chosen path.
George Forbes: From Goalie to Gunner
George was born in Chicago but grew up in Mexico. Just before George turned 18, he “borrowed” the family car to go to Acapulcoand got into an argument with his step-father when he returned home. He left home the next day to hitchhike his way to the border.
Oscar Bruno: A Proud Indiana Ranger
Oscar was sent to Fort Knox in Kentucky for Basic Training and his Advanced Individual Training as a Medical Corpsman. The Medical Corpsman training was a three month course learning how to triage medical emergencies, treat illness/injuries and administer drugs.
Larry Bychowski: Choosing Between Laundry and Aviation
Since Larry and his twin sister were the children of a Chicago police detective, Larry was already used to discipline. When right after high school he received his draft notice, he and his cousin decided to enlist instead of being drafted.
John Delozier Jr.: Takes a Licking and Keeps on Ticking
John, like so many young men in the late 60s, was facing the upcoming draft. The Army was not John’s first choice. He decided, in October, 1967, to enlist into the Marines on the buddy system.
Joe Skender: Communicating by Morse Code
Arriving in Seoul, Korea, Joe was assigned to the 2nd Signal Corps of the 2nd Division. His unit was in the mountains, northeast of Seoul, in Chuncheon. Joe was stationed primarily in communications.
Highlights from our 104th flight
Our 104th flight last week began with a bugle call from honored veteran John Carson at the gate. The celebration continued throughout the day for John and 110 other senior war heroes before building to a crescendo at a terrific Welcome Home.
Tom Oshgan: Honeymoon Surprise
Imagine the surprise reaction to the draft letter Tom received upon returning from his honeymoon. With little hesitation, Tom enlisted in the Navy. Not wanting to serve on land in Vietnam, along with his interest in flying and ships, choosing the Navy was an easy decision.
Asencion Vela: Family is the Center of His Life
Since the day he was born, family has been the center of Asencion Vela’s life. This month, the focus turns to him when he will be honored with an Honor Flight Chicago trip to Washington, D.C., in recognition of his service during World War II.
Frank Darrington: Navigator for the Apollo 13 Recovery
During his time in the Navy, Frank crisscrossed the Pacific on two ships, sailing thousands of nautical miles and crossing the international date/timeline and the equator. But there is one trip that he’s not been on and is looking forward to: his one-day, 600-mile Honor Flight Chicago plane ride to D.C.
Rick Ellish: Life Support Specialist
It was 1966. His student deferment was gone, and his draft papers had arrived. For Rick Ellish it was a chance to follow in his father’s footsteps. His father was a lifer in the U.S. Army infantry. But when Rick gave his dad the news that he’d been drafted, the reaction wasn’t what he expected.
Artie Hill, Jr.: Representing The Army On the Field And In The Ring
Artie Hill, Jr. grew up on the southside of Chicago. His father, Artie, Sr. was a Pullman porter and his mother Rena, was a cook. When Artie graduated grammar school, his mother, Rena, had grown tired of Chicago and went to Los Angeles to fulfill her dream of expanding her culinary skills to become a chef.
Andy Anczer: The Chicago Gangsters
While he now lives in Texas, in 1966, Andy was living in Oak Lawn, IL with his mother and stepfather. His stepfather, Francis X. Downey was actually a member of the Illinois State House of Representatives from 1957 to 1965.
Winifred French: Medical Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base
Winifred (Winnie) French was born in 1936 in Evergreen Park, IL. Her father was a Chicago Police Officer, so the family resided in Chicago. After graduating from Morgan Park High School in 1954, she enlisted in the Air Force that same year.
Walter Dobbs: From Building a Boat to Becoming a Flight Engineer on a B-29
Walter (Walt) Dobbs was born in Detroit in 1925. His father had served in the U.S. Army in WWI in Europe as a machinist. He had taken advantage of his acquired technical skills after he returned to civilian life by becoming an accomplished mechanic.
Highlights from our 103rd flight
Summer vacation was in full effect last week as we flew 111 senior war heroes (2 WWII, 4 Korean War, and 105 Vietnam War) to Washington, D.C.
James Cook: Nuclear Weapons Specialist Serving in England
USAF A-1C, Fusing Systems Specialist James D. Cook was born in a coal miners’ camp in West Virginia, sometime between the two world wars. James lived with his mom and dad, a coal miner, until he was 5 years old.
Barry Baron: Fulfilled His Dream As a Paratrooper
Describing his younger days in grammar and high school, Barry was known as a “cantankerous kid.” Looking for “structure” in his life, he decided to enlist in the U.S. Army and he specifically had set his sights on being a paratrooper.
Mary Catherine Burkart: Mother and Daughter Serving Together
As family traditions go, service to your country is a truly noble one to have. For the Burkart family of Sycamore, IL, answering the call during World War II was more than a duty. It was a strike back at an enemy that had taken one of their own on D-Day.
Christopher Mead: Maintaining Order in the Skies Over Vietnam
By early January 1968, Chris shipped out to Vietnam joining MACS-4 (Marine Air Control Squadron) located on a peninsula northeast of Da Nang on top of “Monkey Mountain.” The base was located on the peak of Sơn Trà Mountain, overlooking Da Nang Harbor and China Beach.
Arnold Grauer, MD: The Real Mash Unit
In 1964 the Vietnam draft impacted the lives of so many young men. Arnie, who had already graduated from medical school, decided to be the master of his fate.
Richard Renkas: The Object of the Game is to Go Home
A knack for language helped propel Richard “Rich” Renkas through more than four years of service in the U.S. Air Force and 354 combat missions.
Daniel Devine: A Sergeant at Age 18
After Boot Camp and infantry training, "Sarge" was assigned to Camp Pendleton in California. His Military Occupation Specialty was artillery, and his specific weapon was the 155 mm self-propelled howitzer.
Robert Knoerzer: Medic With The Army of Occupation in Japan
Bob was stationed in Japan and, since World War II had ended by that time, he was part of the Army of Occupation. He served with the 1st Cavalry Division Medical Detachment of the 61st Field Artillery Battalion of Ota, Japan.
Richard Wyrick: Working Security With a K-9
In December of 1965, Rich went to Vietnam where his responsibilities included providing security protection for visiting dignitaries, such as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture at the time.
Highlights from our 102nd flight
Honor Flight Chicago’s 102nd mission to Washington, D.C., will go into the record books. It was our largest flight in terms of veterans with 119 (1 WWII, 7 Korea, 111 Vietnam). It was also our longest.
Larry Shaver: Bodyguard to the Stars
At 17 years old, Larry Shaver enlisted in the Marine Corps and his whole life changed – including his name.
Rodney Branch: Playing TAPS In Combat
Rodney acquired his first trumpet for $2. He didn't want to just make noise with it. He wanted to play “music”.
Robert Hornung: Life of a Grunt in the Hot Jungle
Robert Hornung grew up on the south side of Chicago. His older brother served in the Korean War. He volunteered for the draft in 1968, at age 18.
Paul Barrath: From Naval Reserve To Active Duty During the Vietnam War Years
Growing up in a military family, it was not a difficult decision for Paul Barrath to make the decision to enlist in the U.S. Navy.
Stephen (Pete) Pedersen: Achieved a Double Mustang
Looking back on his early life, Lt. Colonel (Ret. U.S. Army) Stephen (“Pete”) Pedersen mused that the big surprise at his birth had been that he was a boy and not a girl.
Ronald Dascher: Flying With The Blue Dragons
Ron was born on a farm near Freeport, Illinois in 1936, one of six kids. He and several buddies from his neighborhood in Freeport left high school halfway through senior year to sign up for the military.
Thomas Corzan: Three Decades in The Navy
When Tom turned 18, he took to heart the Navy slogan, “Join the Navy and See the World.” He enlisted and did just that.
Highlights from our 101st flight
On HFC101 last week, we made Honor Flight Magic! Despite the current uptick in COVID cases leading to a handful of cancellations, we still had a wonderful group of 106 senior veterans on board (1 WWII, 10 Korean War, 95 Vietnam War).
Kenneth Albert: Blood, Sweat and Tears on the Mekong River
“Join the Navy and see the world!” But in Master Chief Boatswain's Mate Ken Albert’s case, it was not “see the world” but more like “be in the line of fire 24/7 for as long as your Vietnam tour of duty lasts.”
Lewis Bottando: Jungle Combat, Three Purple Hearts, Two Bronze Stars
Lew Bottando grew up in Chicago with his brother who also served in Vietnam with the Air Force. Before joining the Army, Lew worked as a laborer, building Illinois Route 394, also known as the Calumet Expressway.
Arnold Grauer: The Real Mash Unit
In 1964 the Vietnam draft impacted the lives of so many young men. Arnie, who had already graduated from medical school, decided to be the master of his fate.
The Galvans: A Band of Three Brothers
Growing up, the Galvan brothers, Manny, Felix, and Lu, did almost everything together. As young adults, all three entered the military and served during Vietnam – sometimes even in the same village.
Richard Dowsett: Closing The Quartermaster Company in Pusan
Richard “Dick” Dowsett was born 1931 in Dowagiac, Michigan and spent his childhood there. After finishing high school, he attended Western Michigan University and graduated in 1953 with a degree in Business Administration.
Joseph Kwasny: Ambushed on the Beach
Joseph Kwasny was the youngest of six children in a Polish household and neighborhood. He is a Purple Heart recipient, had a career in law enforcement and continues to help veterans today.
Leon Wilson: From Blue Water to Brown Water Navy
Leon H. Wilson was born and raised in the Englewood neighborhood in Chicago. Leon, wanting more adventure than what he was experiencing on the South Side of Chicago, made the decision to join the U.S. Navy at the age of seventeen years old.
Joseph Matkovcik: A Medic With Many Stops
Joseph Matkovcik grew up in Berwyn and enlisted in the Army in 1972 at the age of 27. Between high school and enlisting, Joseph worked for the County Police, the County Sheriff and worked in a machine shop.
Thomas Workinger: Flying Midshipman to Flying the ‘Friendly Skies’
Thomas G. (Tom) Workinger was born in 1928 during the Great Depression and grew up and attended school in Terre Haute, Indiana. He “watched” as World War II engulfed the planet.
Highlights from our 100th flight
Last week, we celebrated our history and our future with HFC100 – a deeply moving nod to our accomplishments and a look forward to our future.
Malone Wilson: One of the First African-American Marine ‘Volunteer’ Recruits
Malone Wilson was born in Thomaston, Alabama and was principally raised by his mother, Ernestine during his younger years. Now approaching the century mark with his 100th birthday this November, Malone was the oldest of his seven siblings.
James Owen: ROTC To National Guard to Army
High school ROTC was only the beginning for Jim Owen. As an ROTC second lieutenant, Jim learned a great deal about leadership, command, and camaraderie.
Bonnie and Jack Cordaro: A Story of Love and Service
Bonnie and Jack Cordaro have a unique story. They both served their country at different times in different places. While many military spouses met through their service, Bonnie and Jack served separately and met at a social for young professionals in Chicago.
Dominick Calamino: Following in His Parents’ Footsteps, Twice
When Dominick Calamino, Jr. was attending Chicago Vocational High School in the mid-60’s, the U.S. Army was drafting young men to serve in the Vietnam War.
Bob and John Runtz: True Brothers in Arms
John 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
Earl 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
William “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
Throughout 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
Udorn 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
We 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
Corporal 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
Boot Camp at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas was Roy’s initial introduction to the military.
Joseph Raftery Jr.: Demolition Specialist
Joe 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
During 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
Bob 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
Life 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
Before 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
David 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
John “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
Joseph ‘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
William 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
Ninety 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
2nd 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
Growing 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.
Jane Moyers: “Craps” as a Recovery Method
When Jane Moyers graduated from Madonna High School, she was already determined to pursue a career in nursing.
Carol Macola: An Internal Desire to Serve
While growing up in Chicago, Carol saw her brother head off to Vietnam. She too wanted to enlist and do her part to serve her country.
Ervine Cunningham Clay: Military Life in the Fifties
Ervine Clay’s mother never dreamed the baby girl born on Christmas Eve in 1929 would someday become a staff sergeant in the Marine Corps.
Donna Glielmi: A Data Systems Technician
When Donna Glielmi and her fraternal twin sister were born in Chicago in 1955, her mother hadn’t known that she was pregnant with twins.
Carol Stegall: Helping People and Animals with the Same Passion
Carol Stegall wanted to be a vet but knew she couldn’t afford the extra years of school, so her second choice became her lifelong work.
Lane Knox: Jet Engine Mechanic
The interview with Lane Knox began with her saying quietly, “I don’t understand why you’re interviewing me. I’m not that interesting.”
Mary Arvidson: 30 Years of Intelligence Work
With her good high school grades, Mary Arvidson was assigned to become a Traffic Analyst, tracking radio signals from foreign military units.
Eileen Hands: Nursing in three countries
U.S. Army Nurse Corps Korean War Burr Ridge, IL Flight date: 10/06/21 By John Hanley, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interview Volunteer When I [...]
Betty Lou Paps: Challenges of Being a Flight Nurse
With a lifetime of memories from work, family, travel, and service, Betty Lou Paps reminds us that “there's always something to learn.”
Highlights from our 97th flight
Last week, the most veterans we have even transported at one time flew on HFC97 to Washington, D.C. The 114 veterans on board comprised two WWII, 12 Korean War and an even 100 Vietnam [...]
Clifford Leber: Keeping The Infantry Supplied
Clifford's drill sergeant at Fort Knox wanted the most physically fit and best trained soldiers, “and he got both.”
Stephen Fenes: Silver and Bronze Star Hero of Con Thien
Steelworker Second Class Stephen Fenes was born and raised in Hammond, IN where he grew up on a farm with his parents and siblings.
James Blaschek: Field Hospital Medic Lucky in his Assignment
James T. Blaschek was an only child from Peoria who was pursuing a career in education when his country called.
Richard Bee: Proud Purple Heart and Bronze Star Recipient
Richard was drafted into the Army as a Light Weapons Infantryman (11 Bravo) in August 1967 at the age of nineteen.
Edward Bernius: Thirty-Five Combat Missions Over Japan On A B-29
Mr. Bernius was born in Watertown, CT on October 3, 1924 and is the youngest of three. His older brother also served during WWII in the Army.
Marion J. Buliga: Search and Destroy Missions
Marion was drafted in October of 1968 but decided that the U.S. Army was not for him so instead joined the United States Marine Corps.
James Carson: Following In His Father’s Footsteps
James Carson, known as JC to his friends, decided at 18 to enlist in the Navy. “I wanted to do my part to help fight the Vietnam War.
Paul Crites: Combat Interrogator
When Paul Crites finished Basic Training in 1970, his Major told him something that he hadn’t been aware of.
Ray Genis: Just A Motor Sergeant Leading Convoys Through Vietnam
While in high school, Ray joined the JROTC following the military background of his father, who served in the Army during World War II.
Keith Kolozie: The Way Finder
Keith Kolozie was born in Chicago and grew up in the city’s south side, but he found direction in the jungles of Vietnam.
Donald Lines: Bringing A Little Enjoyment To All With The 76th Army Band
It was only 16 inches in length, but when light would hit it, it shone so brightly a person needed sunglasses to tone down the glare.
Monty Lutz: CID, the Army’s Real Life Version of NCIS
Monty Lutz saw his first U.S. Military Police on the family’s 100-acre sugar beet farm in the San Luis Valley of Colorado in the late 1940’s.
Fred Moffatt III: A Combat Medic Knocks Down Anything In His Way
After high school, Fred worked for an electrical parts manufacturer. When he was drafted at age 19, he did not know where Vietnam was.
Ronald Navickas: Nuclear Weapons Maintenance
Ron joined the Air Force Reserve at 17, when he was assigned to the Military Police with the 439th Fighter-Bomber Wing.
Edward O’Connell: Cushy Job, Not for Long
Faith and Family. No two words better describe what sent Ted O’Connell to Vietnam in 1965, and what brought him home again.
John Charles Stevens: A Proud Member of The 101st Airborne Tradition
When asked about his response to receiving his draft notice at the age of 22, John smiled and said, “I went kicking and screaming.“
Lawrence Vaillancourt: Combat Field Medic
Lawrence Vaillancourt served as a medical records clerk and combat field medic attached to the 503rd Aviation Battalion in Germany.
Jay Warbiany: I Saw A Lot Of Air Force Bases in Four Years
Jay gave up a four-year scholarship to IIT and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the height of the Vietnam War.
Highlights from our 96th flight
Three WWII, 33 Korean War, and 76 Vietnam War veterans traveled on a trip that was long anticipated and will be long remembered.
Curtis Bentley: A Cook in the Messman/Steward Branch of the Navy
Curtis Bentley grew up 90 miles from Atlanta on his family’s 200 acre farm “growing anything we could eat, except for the cotton.”
Richard J. Aguinaga: A Modest Bronze Star Recipient
Richard Aguinaga was drafted at 19, entered the service on June 19, 1969, and served until his honorable discharge on December 31, 1970.
Donald N. Benkowski: Military Intelligence is a Different Kind of War
Don wanted to be a military pilot. He took and passed all the qualification examinations with just one exception.
Anthony ‘Tony’ Delaurentis: Mom vs Lieutenant Colonel
Family has always been important to Tony Delaurentis. He’s been guided by values taught by his parents, especially to respect everyone.
Dennis (Denny) Keast: ‘I never thought I’d do what I did’
Dennis was born in southern Minnesota and when he was four his family moved to Flint, MI. As a kid, Denny knew he wanted to fly.
John N. Kost: First Combat on Valentine’s Day, 1951
John Kost started high school at St. Rita but after his first year transferred to a seminary in Wisconsin, thinking he would become a priest.
Ronald T. Michalski: One Decision Changed His Course
In 1958, one decision changed the course of Ron Michalski’s life and helped the boy from Chicago’s South Side became a man.
Michael E. Morrell: Family Tradition to Serve our Country
Mike Morrell’s grandfather served in the U.S. Armed Forces World War I, and half a dozen uncles and his father served during World War II.
Phillip E. Norton: The Danger of Removing Munitions Left Over From WWII
Not the usual experience is a phrase that describes Norton's family and service. He wanted to serve, and enlisting in the Army was fastest.
Edmund Rafalski Jr.: Maintaining The OV-10 in Support of the 1st Cavalry
Ed Rafalski served in the Air Force from August 1968 to August 1972. He grew up in Calumet City, Illinois with one brother and two sisters.
Ed ‘Turtle’ Gniadek, Jr.: Just a Grunt Who is a Bronze Star Recipient
When Turtle Gniadek received his draft notice for the Army, none of his friends were interested in entering the military with him.
Willie E. Reed: Why Not Me?
Willie was born at the very end of World War II on June 3, 1946 and grew up with his family on the south side of Chicago.
Orlando (Lindy) Rossino: Turn 17, Join the Coast Guard
When Pearl Harbor was attacked, Lindy Rossino knew he wanted to join the American Forces. Unfortunately, he was barely 14 years old.
Charles (Charlie) Solis: Ammunition Containers Make Great Cups
Charles Solis was drafted in 1970 and served from 1970 to 1972 in the Army. He was working in a paper factory at the time.
William F. Sonntag: Army Commendation for Heroism
Upon graduation from Fenger High School in 1966, Bill was obligated to start seeking employment, but employers were hesitant to hire young men of draft age since they could be drafted at any time following hiring.
Jerry Warren: Protecting Building Engineers By Day, Providing Fire Support By Night
Jerry Warren passed up an opportunity to return to the states in 1968 and stuck it out in the Central Highlands of Vietnam until his tour of duty was over.
HFC Yard Signs Honor Veterans Still Waiting For Their Day Of Honor
On March 11, 2020, just prior to our annual Law Enforcement Hockey Classic fundraiser, Honor Flight Chicago went into quarantine with the rest of Illinois in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While we held [...]
Honor Flight Chicago Flight Season Update
Get ready to cheer our veterans! Honor Flight Chicago will resume flying with a four-flight season beginning in August of 2021! We are so deeply excited to get back to doing what [...]
Operation HerStory: Sky’s the Limit for Illinois’ First All-Women Veterans Flight to Washington, D.C.
CHICAGO (Feb. 25, 2020) – Honor Flight Chicago, Daughters of the American Revolution, Illinois Joining Forces, and other leading veterans groups today launched Operation HerStory, an initiative dedicated to highlighting the vital contributions of [...]
We have a lot to be thankful for
As the year comes to a close, we have A LOT to be thankful for. This year has been an incredible one for Honor Flight Chicago as we began flying three generations of senior war heroes.
Highlights from our 95th flight
We did it! With the completion of our 95th flight this month, the 2019 season is officially in the books. On a dark and rainy day in D.C., 101 veterans traveled to Washington, including a season-high 16 from World War II!
John Walker: Tunnel Rat Armed With Only a Flashlight and a .45
When you meet John Walker, he is a very warm and welcoming person. When he begrudgingly tells you about his time in Vietnam, right away you know he is one of the most courageous people you will ever meet.
Anthony Vinezeano: From Boilerman on Three Ships to President, A Life’s Journey
At the beginning of World War II, Anthony “Tony” Vinezeano was 13-years-old. By the time he was 17, he could wait no more to join the fight, changing his birth certificate to gain admittance.
John Piworski: A “Tanker’s” Life in Bunkers on the Front Line
John Piworski served just short of a year in Korea as part of “Charlie Company," living the tank life on the front lines.
Daniel Moffett: A Knack for Morse Code Served Him Well
A talented radioman, Daniel Moffett's abilities did not go unnoticed when, in March, 1965, Dan was assigned to the command ship for the Da Nang Mar Offensive.
Tad Dymanus: Long Journey from Germany to Vietnam to Gulf War
Tad Dymanus' father was a Polish WWII soldier and German POW, and his mom survived Dachau. After the family emigrated to America, Tad felt he would do "any little thing" to help his new country. The thing is did was serve in two different wars.
Dick Davis: Little Old Ladies in Da Nang Can Be Dangerous
One day in Vietnam, Dick Davis volunteered to lead a re-supply convoy out into the field. He ran into trouble from an unexpected source.
Melvin Copeland: Too Tall To Fly, a Tuskegee Airman Provides Support to the Red Tails
When Mel Copeland joined the Tuskegee Airmen, he wanted to be a pilot. At 6-foot-4, they couldn't close the plane's canopy over his tall frame, so he became ground support for the fabled unit.
William “Del” Cathey: Putting A Country Back Together
After the bombs fell on Japan and ended World War II, William (Del) Cathey and the 24th Infantry Division got to work building the country back up.
Gene Bednarz: From Chicago to China and Back via Peleliu and Okinawa
Gene Bednarz enlisted after watching the film Guadalcanal Diary about the 1st Marine Division. Soon, he found himself attached to that exact Division in the South Pacific.
Joe Ayres: A Lucky Shot Earned Him a Spot
Joe Ayres was a student at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College when the United States formally entered World War II. Two years later, he enlisted in the Army and played a role in three critical battles that helped end the war in Europe.
Highlights from our 94th flight
The sixth mission for Honor Flight Chicago in 2019 took place last week, and it was another memorable day in our nation’s capital. This time we brought six World War II, 20 Korean War and 77 Vietnam War veterans for a total of 103 on the plane.
Thomas Zilla: Boy Scouts Prepared Him To Be Awarded The Bronze Star
During his service in Vietnam early on during the war, Thomas Zilla had occasion to put his Boy Scout first-aid training to use to help treat a fellow soldier following an attack.
William Ziegler: An Alternate Reality
Bill Ziegler remembers when he realized that Vietnam would be an “alternate reality.” In May of 1969, Bill arrived in country as an Artillery Section Chief, and he was being shot at before he could even get off the plane.
William Siska: Service in the “Brown Water Navy”
“I know what it’s like to be shot at and missed.” That’s how Bill Siska described part of his experience in the U.S. Navy stationed in Nha Be, Vietnam.
Ronald “Buzz” Hunt: Serving with the Popular Forces at Hotel 1
When his initial assignment in Vietnam proved to be too slow for his liking, Buzz Hunt volunteered for a company that conducted patrols to safeguard "Hotel 1," a job he did for 10 months.
Esther Gleaton: Be Careful What You Ask For, You Might End Up In Vietnam
Esther Gleaton convinced her parents to let her join the Army so she could see the world, ending up with an extended tour of Vietnam.
Clelia Ginay: 98-Year-Old Navy Officer Recalls Early Life Challenges
Early in life, Clelia Ginay experienced a great deal of misfortune, but she persevered. She said “My life started when I joined the Navy.”
John “Gene” Craig: Training Sailors and Educating Students – A Life’s Passion
John "Gene" Craig was a crypto officer aboard the USS Mississippi when it was decommissioned, making him responsible for destroying all classified material on the ship.
Phillip Cirullo: Join The Navy, See The World
During Phillips Cirullo's time in the Navy, he served aboard three different vessels. The majority of his time came on the brand new USS Enterprise, the first-ever nuclear powered aircraft carrier.
Thomas Chambers: A Chief Who Has Seen More Than Just Engines
After four years of active duty in the Navy beginning in 1963, Thomas Chambers went on to serve 29 more as a member of the Reserves.
Richard “Doc” Campbell: Silver Star and Purple Heart Corpsman
On August 7, 1969, Corpsman Richard Campbell's medical training, and valor, rose to the occasion.
Terry Cable: A Life Powered By Diesel Engines
Terry Cable's tour of duty in Vietnam included time aboard the USS Satyr, a vessel equipped to repair the boats that patrolled Vietnam’s rivers and canals.
Highlights from our 93rd flight
On a sultry 93-degree day, 104 veterans comprising four from WWII, 23 from the Korean War and 77 from the Vietnam War traveled with us to Washington D.C. for their Day of Honor.
Jim Zwit: The Driving Force
Jim Zwit calls it the driving force of his life. His memories, and his respect for the memories of the eight fellow soldiers killed one evening in Vietnam are too important to be anything else but the impetus behind the major mission in his life.
Howard Tweddle, Jr.: “Tweet” Is Still Singing Today
Howard Edgar Tweddle, Jr. was born on March 8, 1943, and grew up in Marion, Ohio. During high school, he discovered he could sing.
Gary Nelson: Gunner’s Mate On An Icebreaker
Three times Gary Nelson has traveled to Washington D.C. with Honor Flight Chicago, each time accompanying a World War II veteran on this journey of thanks. The next HFC flight on August 7th, 2019, will be Nelson’s fourth, but this time it will be different. This time, he’s the veteran being thanked.
Charles Luhan, Jr.: Combat Engineer Becomes Santa Claus
At his company compound in Vietnam, Charles Luhan, Jr., would fly the City of Chicago flag (which has four blue stars) when he had the chance. When he did this, his company’s compound would receive unusually more rocket attacks than normal. The company commanding officer told Charles, “Can you take down that four-star flag, they think you’re a General.”
Barbara Lloyd: Military Service — Just What A Family Does
Barbara Lloyd was born into a family with a history of serving our country. Impressed with her brother, Ken’s, travels in the Navy, Barbara became “crazy about the Navy” which planted the seed of her serving in the military.
Thomas Keith: Daily Fire Missions
While growing up on the west side of Chicago and attending Austin High School, Tom never imagined he would spend his 21st birthday serving in the Army in Vietnam.
Sylvester Dziedzic: Going To The Dogs
Growing up, Sylvester Dziedzic didn’t have a family dog. However, when he joined the Army in 1965, he developed a specialty as a Military Police (MP) Sentry Dog Handler and served in that role during the Vietnam War.
Highlights from our 92nd flight
All 103 veterans on #HFC92 were treated to a visit from General Colin Powell, who stopped by the World War II Memorial to say thank you and spend a few moments speaking to the group.
Ascher Daniel Yates: Photography, Korea and an Emmy
On his Honor Flight application, Mr. Yates states he was an Army photographer in Korea, an understatement indeed.
Clyde Wilson: How Delivering Paychecks Earns The Silver Star
“Welcome to Tan Son Nhut. We are under attack, everybody prepare for a crash landing.” Those were the first words Capt. Clyde Wilson and his fellow officers heard from their pilot as they arrived in Vietnam in 1968.
James Wightman: One of the Fortunate Ones
Jim Wightman knows he is one of the lucky ones. He spent his entire Army deployment in Korea during a time when many troops were being shifted to Vietnam, allowing him to dig deep into much of the Korean culture.
Robert Vogeltanz: Rigging Parachutes — A Valued, Specialized Skill
When Bob Vogeltanz volunteered for the Air Force three days shy of his 19th birthday, he did not know he would learn a highly specialized skill that would take him halfway across the world to Thailand during the height of the Vietnam War.
Donald Tollefsen: Floating Battalion
Don Tollefsen went from being a garbage man working in Cicero, Illinois, to being part of a Floating Battalion in the South China Seas.
Terrence Schmidt: Memories of War and Recruiting
Terry Schmidt had a long and successful Navy career, with many years of recruiting for the Navy Reserve, but the times he remembers the best are his two tours on a destroyer off Vietnam.
Robert Misevich: Combat Medic, A Prime Target
Bob Misevich was awarded three Bronze Stars as an Army combat medic in Vietnam, where he served during the 1968 Tet Offensive.
Joseph Martinek: Same Navy, Different Ships – Big Difference
While following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who served in the Navy during WWI, Vietnam War veteran Joseph Martinek eventually found himself assigned to USS Enterprise (CVN-65): the first nuclear powered aircraft carrier.
Stewart Margolis: Join The Navy And See The World…Really!
Joining the Navy seemed just the right thing to do for young Stewart Margolis from New York City. It turned into a career that spanned three different decades.
James Blue, Sr.: Once a Marine, Always a Marine
Despite contracting a severe case of malaria that required hospitalization both during and after his service in Vietnam, James Blue, Sr., continued to serve as a reservist well into the first Gulf War.
John “Ace” Aister: You Appreciate Everything
The morning he left for the Vietnam War, John Aister’s father drove him to the train station and left him with words of wisdom he never forgot: "Come back home" and "There will be a day when you appreciate water and bread.”
Highlights from our 91st flight
The Vietnam Era began for Honor Flight Chicago on June 5, 2019 as the organization flew its 91st flight to Washington, D.C., and first carrying Vietnam War veterans.
Louie Obed Rodriguez: Being Dealt the Ace of Spades from the Army 1st Brigade
U.S. Army Vietnam Schererville, IN Flight date: June, 2019 By Al Rodriguez, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer I met Luis, Louie, as [...]
Joseph Lamy: Purple Heart Combat Medic
U.S. Army Vietnam Palos Heights, IL Flight date: June, 2019 By Bob Pomorski, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer In spite of enduring [...]
Eddie Krupiczowicz: Why Eddie Loves His Country
U.S. Army Vietnam Villa Park, IL Flight date: June, 2019 By Jack and Ellen Walsh, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer Maybe [...]
John Jacobson: Four Tours as a Navy Seabee – A Proud Group of Servicemen
U.S. Navy Vietnam Des Plaines, IL Flight date: June, 2019 By Mark Splitstone, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer John Jacobson was [...]
Anthony Isadore Senior: Supply Sergeant – Routine, Dangerous, and Sometimes Surprising Benefits
U.S. Army Vietnam Crestwood, IL Flight date: June, 2019 By Nancy Angel, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer Anthony Isadore grew [...]
Barry Greenberg: The Army Version of Hanoi Hannah
U.S. Army Vietnam Naperville, IL Flight date: June, 2019 By Wendy L. Ellis, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer Barry Greenberg will be [...]
Salvatore “Sam” DiPrima: Going Out to Sea to Find His Calling
U.S. Navy Vietnam Naperville, IL Flight date: June, 2019 By Charlie Souhrada, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer Salvatore [...]
Robert “Bob” Bruzek: Navy Seabee Exchanges Electricity for Fresh Bread
U.S. Navy Vietnam Mount Prospect, IL Flight date: June, 2019 By Carla Khan, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer Although he had [...]
Robert “Arch” Archibald: The Dangerous Early Years of Vietnam
U.S. Air Force Vietnam Wilmette, IL Flight date: June, 2019 By David Adams, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer Robert (“Arch”) Archibald [...]
Highlights from our 90th flight
Honor Flight Chicago celebrated its 90th flight last week with 96 senior war heroes, including 12 from World War II.
Fred Staron: 75 Years Ago With the 5th Army in Europe Seems Like Yesterday
U.S. Army World War II Berkeley, IL Flight date: May, 2019 By Dave Koziol, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer As a 20-year-old [...]
Ken Shoberg: More Than Just a Simple Corpsman
U.S. Navy Korean War Wheaton/Arlington Heights, IL Flight date: May, 2019 By Charlie Souhrada, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer When he was [...]
Joe and Frank Ring: Brothers Who Served At Different Times Share More Than Just an Army Bond
U.S. Army Korean and Vietnam Wars Chicago and Bellwood, IL Flight date: May, 2019 By David Adams, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer [...]
Bill Grady: From B-24’s in WWII To The Rockford Airport, Radar Impacted His Life
U.S. Army World War II Rockford, IL Flight date: May, 2019 By Carla Khan, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer Although he grew [...]
George Dirkes: Make Your Own Thunder!
U.S. Army Korean War Indian Head Park, IL Flight date: May, 2019 By Bob Pomorski, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer From his [...]
John Debnar: A Four Year Band “Gig” in Alaska Including The Aleutian Islands
U.S. Air Force Korean War Oak Brook, IL Flight date: May, 2019 By Nancy Angel, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer John Debnar [...]
Matthias Burger, Jr.: German Immigrant From WWII Era Fights For His Country in Korea
U.S. Army Korean War Park Ridge, IL Flight date: May, 2019 By Wendy Ellis, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer It was 1944 [...]
William Bike: Role of Merchant Marine in WWII Finally Recognized
U.S. Merchant Marine World War II Manteno, IL Flight date: August, 2019 By Cindy Krawulski, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer William Bike [...]
Art Berg: Serving Many Roles From Infantryman to Bandsman to MP
U.S. Army World War II Woodridge, IL Flight date: May, 2019 By Mark Splitstone, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer Arthur [...]
Albert Armellino: A Factory Supervisor Becomes a Trainer for the Recoilless Rifle
U.S. Army World War II Steger, IL Flight date: May, 2019 By Frank Hauenschild, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer Born and raised [...]
Highlights from our 89th flight
Honor Flight Chicago kicked off its 12th season last week with 14 World War II and 80 Korean War heroes. Also on board were a couple of first-timers: us!
DuPage Veterans Foundation fundraiser scheduled for May 4
The DuPage Veterans Foundation will host its annual fundraiser benefitting Honor Flight Chicago on May 4, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Paul K. Young: 35 Missions Over Europe As A Navigator On a B-17
U.S. Army Air Forces World War II Pingree Grove, IL Flight date: April, 2019 By Jim Parker, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer [...]
DJ Seneker: Seeing the World and Sharing His Gift of Song
U.S. Navy Korean War Homer Glen, IL Flight date: April, 2019 By Cindy Krawulski, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer For DJ [...]
Walter Mannaberg: Kindertransport, Infantryman in Battle of The Bulge, German Interrogator
U.S. Army World War II Chicago, IL Flight date: April, 2019 By David Adams, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer Walter Mannaberg was [...]
John Robert Kemble: Navy Career Includes Land, Sea, Air and Family
U.S. Navy Korean War & Vietnam War Geneva, IL Flight date: April, 2019 By Carla Khan, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer John [...]
William C. “Clarke” Devereux: Quad 50 Machine Gun Squad Leader to First Sergeant
U.S. Army Korean War River Forest, IL Flight date: April, 2019 By Donna Pacanowski, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer William C. Devereux, [...]
Robert Davis: Would Rather Make Music Than Work With Mules or 105 Howitzers
U.S. Army World War II Hobart, IN. Flight date: April, 2019 By Al Rodriguez, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interviews Volunteer Robert says: “I [...]
Josephine Bogdanich: 102 years young and proud to serve
Josephine Bogdanich has lived in the Chicagoland area all of her life, except for her tour of duty with the U.S. Army during World War II. She fondly recalls her time in the U.S. Army.
Volunteers, veterans lead South Side Irish Parade
More than 200 veterans, volunteers and family members helped represent Honor Flight Chicago at the South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, March 17.
Stars to shine brightly on Hockey Classic night in Bensenville
The stars are coming out to support Honor Flight Chicago at the eighth-annual Law Enforcement Hockey Classic on Saturday, March 2, at The Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville, Illinois.
HFC named South Side Irish Parade Grand Marshal
The South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee announced that Honor Flight Chicago will lead this year’s parade as the Grand Marshal.
Jewel-Osco PIN pad donations to benefit HFC
Jewel-Osco will launch a PIN pad donation campaign on February 1 in an effort to raise money for Honor Flight Chicago.
Meet Honor Flight Chicago’s new directors
Honor Flight Chicago is excited to welcome a new Director of Communications and Director of Operations.
Two powerful Veterans Day stories
ABC 7 Chicago recently told the unique stories of John Ullinskey and Bernie Bluestein, two incredible veterans who flew with Honor Flight Chicago.
Honor Flight Chicago to fly Vietnam-era veterans beginning in 2019
CHICAGO (Nov. 7, 2018) – Honor Flight Chicago, the not-for-profit that has over the past 11 years flown more than 8,000 World War II and Korean War veterans to Washington, D.C., free-of-charge to visit [...]
Mary Pettinato to step aside from CEO role
If you were on your deathbed, what’s one thing you would wish you’d done during your lifetime? Eleven years ago, I asked that question to my 89-year-old dad, a World War II veteran. His [...]
WGN feature on Honor Flight Chicago
WGN-TV traveled with Honor Flight Chicago in July 2018 to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the Honor Flight Chicago experience.
Milan Menich: A Lumberjack Who Knows How to Dance
A Lumberjack Who Knows How to Dance
Robert L. Borgstrom: Survived the War and Typhoon Louise
Survived the War and Typhoon Louise
Edwin Kaye: Oops, I Joined Without My Buddy
Oops, I Joined Without My Buddy
Jack Roderick: A Life’s Passion
A Life’s Passion
Martin V. Garcia: Infantry BAR man and Truck Driver
Infantry BAR man and Truck Driver
William M. Van Duyn: Master of Repair and Rescue
Master of Repair and Rescue
George D. Logothetis: MIA in Korea, Fortunate to Return
MIA in Korea, Fortunate to Return
Erwin B. Forde: From Medic to Motor Pool Mechanic
From Medic to Motor Pool Mechanic
Charles Callahan: A Guardian Angel Watched Over Him
A Guardian Angel Watched Over Him
James (Jim) Bansley: Guardsman faced enemy fire and wrath of the sea
Guardsman faced enemy fire and wrath of the sea
Howard J. Adolph: From Normandy to Berchtesgaden, Diving into Foxholes
From Normandy to Berchtesgaden, Diving into Foxholes
Eugene Callen: Lucky To Survive, Multiple Times
Lucky To Survive, Multiple Times
Aloysious (Al) Mack: A Truck Driver Among B-17’s
A Truck Driver Among B-17’s
Francis J. Haynes: A Proud Tradition of Service
A Proud Tradition of Service
Herbert Jacobsen: Lifelong Career Starts Early
Lifelong Career Starts Early
Otto Soyk: Under Fire, Ships Cook’s Bravery Earns Purple Heart
Under Fire, Ships Cook’s Bravery Earns Purple Heart
Miguel Gomez: The Amazing Shrinking World As Viewed By a 24-Year Veteran
The Amazing Shrinking World As Viewed By a 24-Year Veteran
John A. Caruso: Italian Born – American Made
Italian Born - American Made
John C. Muno: Atomic Veteran, Combat Veteran and Super Volunteer
Atomic Veteran, Combat Veteran and Super Volunteer
Mario J. Cortina: Maintaining Fighter Jets Sometimes Requires “Scrounging”
Maintaining Fighter Jets Sometimes Requires “Scrounging”
Nick A. Stiso: Growing Up Quickly
Growing Up Quickly
Fernando M. Dorado: MAIL CALL!
MAIL CALL!
Harold Dickson: Hard Times, Good Times and a Captured U505 Submarine
Hard Times, Good Times and a Captured U505 Submarine
Veteran comments from our 86th flight
Hear from some of our World War II and Korean War veterans who flew with Honor Flight Chicago on July 11, 2018.
John T. O’Connell: From One Firefight to Another
From One Firefight to Another
John W. Hoffmeister: Navy Corpsman At Home with the Marines
Navy Corpsman At Home with the Marines
Laurence M. (Laury) Feldman: Battalion Clerk Has Its Privileges
Battalion Clerk Has Its Privileges
Charlie C. Dobbins: Always Up For a Challenge In Thirty Years of Active Duty
Always Up For a Challenge In Thirty Years of Active Duty
Matthew J. (Jim) Peters / Nancy T. Peters: A Match Made in Corona
A Match Made in Corona
James M. Connellan: GI’s Do More Than Fight in a War Zone
GI’s Do More Than Fight in a War Zone
Herbert (Herb) W. Nadelhoffer: Learning the Language and Ways of the Military
Learning the Language and Ways of the Military
James A. Wall: A Family of Coasties that are “Semper Paratus” … Always Ready
A Family of Coasties that are “Semper Paratus” … Always Ready
Arne K. Nilsen: A Wandering Soul Finds Challenge in the Coast Guard
A Wandering Soul Finds Challenge in the Coast Guard
John (Alan) Matson: Carpenter, Pipe Fitter, Electrician and Tinsmith – At Forty Below
Carpenter, Pipe Fitter, Electrician and Tinsmith - At Forty Below
Edward Kasan: Playing a Different Kind of Music on the USS Missouri
Playing a Different Kind of Music on the USS Missouri
Erwin (Erv) A. Hankes: Vital Communications and 15 Months of Smelly Rice Paddies
Vital Communications and 15 Months of Smelly Rice Paddies
Elmer (John) Gebel: Forty B-24 Combat Missions Begin with the Palau Islands
Forty B-24 Combat Missions Begin with the Palau Islands
Paul (Joe) J. Peraino: A Navy Seabee, Two Bulldozers and A Surf Crane
A Navy Seabee, Two Bulldozers and A Surf Crane
Veteran comments from our 85th flight
Take a look back at some of the highlights and hear from veterans from Honor Flight Chicago's June 6, 2018 flight. The flight had added significance as it flew on the 74th anniversary of D-Day.
Alvin P. (Bud) Izbicky: Demolitions Expert
“There was an unexploded Japanese torpedo on the beach in Saipan, and they wanted a volunteer. All the other guys were much older than I was and nobody wanted to volunteer, so they volunteered me,”
Lloyd Richardson: “All Shook” And Her B-29 Crew Flew 35 Combat Missions and Survived Them All
Lloyd and his crew completed their 35 combat missions in May, 1952. All Shook returned to the States shortly thereafter without a scratch. For his service, he was awarded the Air Medal for “meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.”
Delford C. (Del) Becke: Flying and Living Around the World
During Basic Training, they gave Del a bunch of tests and said “you are good in mathematics, we have a deal for you – we want you to be an aircraft AOB (Aircraft Observer Bombardier). There is a lot involved, and it takes about a year and half or so.” Training started at Ellington AFB near Pasadena TX, then on to Mayfair, CA to complete the training.
Michael M. Bosak, Jr.: The Marine that “couldn’t type” advises “Live Life”
At first, along with his BAR fire team, Michael worked as a stretcher bearer. This was his first experience caring for anyone who was wounded. Michael recalled carrying many seriously wounded soldiers down the mountainous terrain while live fire battles were continuing. He and others would carry the stretchers to the awaiting helicopters where they were met by medical teams.
Roger G. Liddicoatt: I Never Give Up!
Roger readily admits he was “scared as hell” when he was taken. The Chinese soldiers wrapped a tourniquet around his leg to stop the bleeding, and slapped something mysterious on his wounds. Then, he was held in a 4’ x 6’ cell with a low ceiling, where he survived on a diet of raw fish and rice, and an occasional helping of green, spicy kimchi.
Maj. General Clifton C. Capp: When Duty Calls A Leader Answers
General Capp retired from the military in 1983 after almost 36 years of service in the Illinois National Guard, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserve. During his military career he was highly decorated, earning the Distinguished Service Medal; the Meritorious Service Medal; the Army Commendation Medal; the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters; the United Nations Service Medal; the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two hourglass devices (denoting 20+ years of service); the National Defense Service Medal; the Army Service Ribbon; and the Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal, presented to an outstanding individual who has rendered significant service or support to an element of the Engineer Regiment.
Walter A. (Wally) Ciszak: Remote Weather Duty 240 miles from the U.S.S.R (Russia)
Wally’s lieutenant asked him if he’d be interested in “Isolation Duty.” This meant being sent to report on weather conditions in remote corners of the globe.
Robert A. Jaegers: Drones were “Top Secret” in 1953
For an only child, raised by his mother and grandmother, it certainly was a brave move to strike out on his own and one he never regretted.
William (Bill) Haggerty: His Uniform Was A Bathing Suit And Helped Save Many Lives
Bill’s ticket home came in the form of the 1956 Olympic trials. U.S. servicemen in Japan were qualifying for swimming and diving, and Bill won platform diving for the Armed Services in the Far East.
Arnold R. Painter, Jr.: Military Service – A Family Tradition With Surprising Twists
By the summer of 1953, Arnie was promoted to 1st Sergeant. During the fierce battle around Pork Chop Hill, 1st Sergeant (E7) Arnold R. Painter Jr., was wounded when he took a bayonet to his midsection ... His next recollection was waking up on a hospital ship, recovering from his injuries. As fate would have it, in the bed next to him was none other than Arnold R. Painter, Arnie's father, who was recovering from his fourth eye operation. As soon as Arnie Sr. was able to focus, he recognized his son, and stated, “Arnie, (expletives deleted !) what are you doing here? ” The 1st Sergeant immediately notified the Army that his son, Arnie Jr. was only 16, and had lied on his enlistment papers.
Veteran comments from our 84th flight
Take a look back at some of the highlights and hear from veterans from Honor Flight Chicago's May 9, 2018 flight. The flight was the second of the season and 84th in the history of Honor Flight Chicago.
Lowell “Greg” McDonnell: A tank commander … finally
Armistice talks were already underway, but it would be a few months before the fighting came to an end. For those few months, McDonnell found himself on the front lines at White Horse Mountain as a Tank Platoon Leader.
Adolph “Floyd” Ermer: Sweeping for mines in the combat zone
“The military is all about discipline,” says Floyd. “I was used to it growing up. When my dad said to do something, we knew better than to ask why.
Dr. William E. Fishman: A flight surgeon, never on an airplane before
As it was growing dark, Whitman was forced to navigate by the full moon as he once again attempted to raise help on the radio. The plane was now running low on fuel, and Whitman’s “Mayday!” transmissions were answered.
Gordon A. Vaundry: Patriotic duty calls sailor to life of care
“I thought we were going to take part in the invasion of Tokyo,” he says. “Then we got notice we had bombed Nagasaki, and a few days later we heard about Hiroshima.
Kenneth D. Koehler: The service was fun but also very real
Basic Training was the best thing that ever happened to him in the service. “It wasn’t that I was a wild kid, I just had a lot of wild and goofy things I was doing. The service helped nail me down and straighten me up.”
Ralph W. Mueller: From printing to surgery in one quick enlistment
Practical nursing duties, like making a hospital bed and caring for patients was also part of his training, as well as general maintenance of a surgical unit. Despite having no medical background, Ralph was enthusiastic about his new assignment and says “when you love something, you can learn anything.”
Robert J. “Bob” Dahms: Surveying, a critical responsibility in combat
“The winters were very, very cold. Thank God for insulated boots.” Bob and his tent mates took in a young Korean boy who they named “Peanuts.” He would do odd jobs for them and keep their tent clean.
Dale P. Buhl: His voice led to an Armed Forces Network assignment
Dale went to Nuremberg, Germany with the 371st Armored Infantry Division. His new world of 201 files and Morning Reports did not really satisfy his creative mind. A buddy suggested that, with his voice and experience, Dale should look into the Armed Forces Network (AFN).
Edvins T. Budenieks: It was a long road from Latvia to Incheon
We kept moving forward, and by June we crossed the 38th parallel. We were attacking all the time, and there was a few close calls.
William T. DeCicco: Trained as an artist and with heavy weapons
Sergeant DeCicco “distinguished himself . . . serving as a Section Leader in a machine gun platoon, inspired his men through his distinguished leadership and courage while detailed on the outpost line of resistance in support of infantry operations.
John V. Frega: Achieving a goal to become Captain
John’s ship was on the water during two dangerous hurricanes. The first, Hurricane Hazel, a Category 4, was the deadliest and costliest hurricane of that year.
Donald E. Bennett: “Atomic Annie” was one big gun
After preparing the weapon to be fired, they were ordered into a trench and told to close their eyes and cover their faces with their forearms ... Even though they had their eyes closed and forearms over them, Don says the blast was so bright that you could see it right through your arm.
Charles A. Griffea: A common cause
If the dirt roads and mountainous terrain of North Korea weren’t difficult enough for moving men, equipment and supplies in the warm months, when winter set in, they quickly learned that surviving mud, snow, ice and -30 degree temperatures was “the real challenge.”
Edward Kadlec: Paperwork in a war zone
With only one clip Ed asked “What do I do if I run out of Ammo?” The sarge said “Jump off the train and run like hell!”
Terry S. Hensley: A family of Purple Heart recipients
Having been raised on a farm taught teamwork from an early age.
Honor Flight Chicago has a new office
Honor Flight Chicago has spent nearly a decade operating out of the basement of CEO and Co-Founder Mary Pettinato's home. In May, HFC will move to a new office space in Rosemont, thanks in large part to three incredible partners.
Sparkling Ice, Jewel-Osco raise money for Honor Flight Chicago
Sparkling Ice and Jewel-Osco are partnering to benefit Honor Flight Chicago and raise money to give American senior war veterans a day of honor, thanks and inspiration.
Veteran comments from our 83rd flight
Take a look back at some of the highlights and hear from veterans from Honor Flight Chicago's April 11, 2018 flight, the first of the season and first of the organization's second decade.
Fulfilling a final wish
Don Arseneau waited four years to fly with Honor Flight Chicago. He was forced to cancel on three different occasions because of illness. He was finally ready to receive his day of honor when the unthinkable happened.
Popeyes sponsors Honor Flight Chicago flight
On April 11, 99 Chicago-area WWII and Korean War veterans will travel with Honor Flight Chicago to Washington, D.C., for a once-in-a-lifetime day of honor at their national war memorials. These heroic men and women will be the beneficiaries of a special partnership with Popeyes® Chicagoland Co-op.
John Martin: From gunner to driver
John Martin was a driver for a battalion commander and platoon leader during the Korean War. His brother served in WWII at the Battle of the Bulge.
Eugene Bylina: Diesel locomotive driver
Gene’s job in South Korea was to drive diesel locomotives hauling train cars of ammunition, food, K rations and other supplies. The U.S. Army used the Korean rail system, but the train engines were diesel locomotives brought over from the United States.
William Howland: A World War II POW
Bill Howland was a POW during World War II. He estimates there were approximately 300 POWs in his group. About two weeks before the war ended, Bill escaped in part by hiding in a barn in a pile of hay.
Jerome Adler: Enlisting for a friend
Jerome Adler enlisted in the Army, much to the chagrin of his parents. Jerry remarked that his enlistment was motivated in part by the battlefield death of a childhood friend in Korea during the first year of that war.
Jim Carroll: Suffering hard times
Jim enlisted in September, 1946 with four buddies from his neighborhood gang, the “Parkside Maulers.” They all had the idea of using the GI Bill after their service.
William Adams: Youthful work pays off
When the Marine Corps asked for soldiers to volunteer to fight in Korea, Bill stepped forward. He and approximately 5,000 other Marines boarded a Merchant Marine vessel and headed to Korea.
Gerald Crandall: Answering the call
Gerald comes from a family deeply rooted in “answering the call for military duty.” Gerald’s father and uncles all fought in France during World War I and his older brother fought in Europe during WWII.
Donald Arseneau: A change in cap
Don Arseneau was born in the small town of Beaverville, Illinois (pop. 368), near the beginning of the Depression. He was a Plane Captain and Parachute Rigger.
Lillian Strezishar: Helping the Cadet Nurse Corps.
During World War II, Lillian Strezishar was a member of the Cadet Nurse Corps, which served an important part of the United States’ response to entering the war.
It’s our 10-year anniversary!
Honor Flight Chicago CEO Mary Pettinato has a special message for everyone who helped the organization say thank you to America's senior war heroes over the past 10 years.
Highlights from the 2018 Hockey Classic
Thank you to everyone who came out and supported Honor Flight Chicago at the seventh annual Law Enforcement Hockey Classic.
Sandwich, coupon book sales to benefit Honor Flight Chicago
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and America's Dog & Burger both partnered with Honor Flight Chicago to raise money and fly senior war veterans to Washington, D.C.
See photos from Bourbon Street
At Honor Flight Chicago, our mission is clear. We honor our senior war heroes for their service. We thank them for their courage and sacrifice. And in the process, we inspire generations of Americans [...]
Carl Streng Jr.: A cook and a butcher
Carl Streng served from 1943-1946 as a cook aboard the USS Kadashan Bay (escort carrier) in the Pacific. He worked as a cook and a 40-mm gun loader.
Amon Reinhart: Royal Order of Blue Nose
Amos Reinhart did 26 months of duty aboard the USS North Hampton. He traveled the world, from Norway to the Mediterranean to the Arctic Circle.
George E. Owen: MASH as it really was
George Owen received a Purple Heart for his service in the Korean War, which included his involvement in combat battles at Pork Chop Hill and Triangle Hill.
Edward N. Murray: Two wars, nine medals
Ed Murray served in the Navy during World War II as well as the Korean War. He received nine medals for his service, including one from the people of Korea.
Louis M. Megleo: The bomber and the screwdriver
Louis Megleo served more than two years in the World War II and was based near Bari, Italy. He was involved in 20 combat missions.
Paul A. Loeffler: A valued clerk
Paul Loeffler spent the Korean War as a clerk, was assigned to the famous 2nd Infantry Division and was involved in battle at Heartbreak Ridge.
Dale Kavanagh: Shiny boots and cuffed trousers
Korean War veteran Dale Kavanagh went to Fort Benning in Georgia for jump school in part because he was on a quest for higher pay and a sharp uniform
Jerry Juliano: Witness to death, destruction
Death, destruction, and total devastation is how 98-year-old WWII veteran Jerry Juliano describes his impression of landing on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944.
Frank S. Colin: Learning from an indiscretion
Korean War veteran Frank Colin turned a youthful indiscretion into an opportunity that led him down a pathway he now remembers with pride.
Claude H. Choate: An ominous start
Claude Choate served with the US Army from June 1944 to April 1946. His service began on an ominous note when his troop train to basic training derailed.
Pete Balma: Trying to stay alive
When Pete arrived in Korea, fierce fighting was still going on, back and forth for inches of ground. He spent 14 months there before returning home.
August 8, 1945: Soviet Union declares war on Japan
This day in history: Two days after the U.S. dropped its first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan.
Jess B. Holcomb: A life-saving Bible
Jess Holcomb served in Korea and was part of the second landing near Inchon. He received three Purple Hearts because he was 'shot once and blown up twice.'
Bill Lillwitz: 210 missions in 6 months
Bill Lillwitz flew 210 missions, received the Bronze Star and 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses. He was shot down once and had to bail out twice.
Joe McCormack Jr.: Dental assistant
Joe served from November of 1951 to September 1952 in Korea as a dental hygienist. He found out about the job after he talked to a pretty receptionist.
Erwin Rabin: Aloha and Mahalo
Erwin Rabin served in the Army from 1953 to 1955. He spent six months in Korea at the end of the war. He was then assigned as a Company clerk in Hawaii.
Jim G. Vancura Jr.: From the frying pan to the fire
Jim Vancura served from 1943 to 1946. He served on an amphibious ship that received 2 battle stars. Tours included France, Italy, Africa, Okinawa and China.
Al Vosylius: Back in Germany
Al Vosylius, a native of Lithuania, served in the Army from 1952 to 1954. He worked with the artillery testing team of the US Army 5th Corps.
Wally P. Wienert: Getting ready to fly
Wally Wienert served in the Navy from 1948 to 1952. He was assigned to the USS Boxer CV21, a carrier that made four trips back and forth to Korea.
Lawrence Facchinello: A sense of duty
Lawrence served as a heavy equipment operator in Korea. He helped rebuild the Han River waterway and worked with Korean contractors who spoke no English.
Andy Dziagwa: Trumpeter of the band
Andy was in combat operations code-named Killer and May Massacre, received the Purple Heart, and is in the International Polka Association Hall of Fame.
Sayers donates $25,000 to Honor Flight Chicago
Honor Flight Chicago CEO Mary Pettinato received a $25,000 check from Sayers Technology President and CEO Christopher Callahan on Wednesday, July 12. The donation was presented at Chicago’s Midway International Airport following Honor Flight [...]
Pascal A. ‘Pat’ Gerard: Keeping a secret
Can you keep a secret? For many years Pat Gerard wasn’t allowed to talk about what he did during his time in service. But today, he can speak freely.
Walter Piekosz: Learning to swim
Walter Piekosz was born in Chicago in 1925, one of nine children. At age 17, he decided to join the Navy. He joined even though he didn’t know how to swim.
Roy Stanek: From engineer to photographer
Roy Stanek thought he would be an engineer during the Korean War, but quickly found himself taking enemy fire during 18 missions as an aerial photographer.
William (Bill) Curry: An ear to the action
Bill Curry used his top security clearance and his training as a radio operator to monitor and scan radio signals during the Korean War.
Raymond Wirth: Boiler tender and fireman
Raymond Wirth spent 39 months based in Japan on the USS Valley Forge, which supported air operations against advancing Chinese and North Korean forces.
Bernard Ogarek: Hollywood Marine
U.S. Marine Corps Korean War Chicago, IL Flight date: 07/12/17 By Carla Khan, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interview Volunteer It was March 1951 and [...]
Frank Chrzan: Too young to serve
U.S. Marine Corps World War II Mt Prospect, IL Flight date: 06/07/17 By Carla Khan, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interview Volunteer When the 15-year-old Frank Chrzan [...]
Pete Balma: On the front line
U.S. Army Korean War Zion, IL Flight date: 07/12/17 By Jack Walsh, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interview Volunteer Pete Balma was very happy when his [...]
4 things to do this Fourth of July
Tomorrow marks our nation's 241st birthday. Fireworks. Barbecues. Parades. On this Fourth of July, I ask you to consider doing these four things:
Willard Fruits: ‘Take me’
Willard Fruits wanted to get away from farm life in Missouri, so in 1951, at age 19, he set out on a journey to seek a change.
June 28, 1950: Seoul falls to North Korea
In a desperate attempt to stop North Korean troops from capturing Seoul, the South Korean Army blows up the Hangang Bridge across the Han River. It is the only path of escape for thousands [...]
June 27, 1950: Truman calls for ‘police action’
On June 27, President Truman tells Congress that he had already approved the use of the U.S. Air Force and Navy to defend South Korea. He calls it "a police action," fully mindful that [...]
Honoring our Korean War veterans
The Korean War started 67 years ago today. It's known by many as the forgotten war, but we will never forget. On this day, we remember and honor all of our veterans who served during the Korean War.
June 25, 1950: Korean War begins
At dawn on Sunday, June 25, North Korean troops begin a full-scale invasion along large portions of the 38th parallel. The attack begins with heavy artillery fire followed by waves of Soviet-built T-34 tanks [...]
Milton Diller: A photographer’s eye
As a photo interpretation specialist during the Korean War, Airman Second Class Milton (Milt) Diller never left U.S. soil, but without his service, there’s no telling how many lives might have been lost nearly 6,000 miles away.
Seymour Gottlieb: A knock on the door
U.S. Public Health Service Korean War Glencoe, IL Flight date: 06/07/17 By Jack Walsh, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interview Volunteer Seymour Gottlieb decided [...]
Frank O’Brien: Nine months of service
Frank O'Brien served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He shares his story of spending nine months overseas, including some of the frightening sights he saw.
Saying ‘thank you’ 7,000 times
Honor Flight Chicago, the largest hub within the Honor Flight Network, surpassed recognizing 7,000 veterans while flying the organization's 78th flight.
May 10, 1948: South Korea elects first national assembly
Although the stated intention is for a unified Korea, leaders on either side of the 38th parallel fail to agree on a plan for elections. The government in the south elects its first National [...]
A message to our incredible volunteers
Ever since I helped start Honor Flight Chicago 10 years ago, I’ve felt I have one of the best jobs in the world. Not only do I get to meet inspiring senior war heroes, but [...]
Walter Williams: Flying doorless in Korea
U.S. Navy / Korean War (Yorkville, Ill.) Entering the U.S. Navy carried on a family tradition for Walter Williams. His grandfather, Old Salt, had told stories of his time on a sailing ship; other [...]
April 22, 1951: Chinese launch ‘Spring Offensive’
The Chinese launch their "Spring Offensive" — also known as the Fifth Offensive — with the intent of re-taking Seoul. With 700,000 men, several battles begin, including the Battle of the Imjin River just north [...]
Thelma Finney: A nurse’s journey across the U.S.
U.S. Army / World War II (Hobart, IN) The U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps — the nation's first integrated uniformed U.S. service corps —fulfilled an urgent need for nurses at home and abroad during World [...]
John Meehan: A career in the Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard / WWII (Hobart, IN) John Meehan graduated from high school, enlisted in the Coast Guard at the age of 19 and served from 1942 to 1946. He quickly learned the unusual [...]
Thanking America’s senior veterans for 10 years — and counting
It’s been 10 years since I had the conversation that changed my life, and eventually the lives of thousands of other people. I was sitting alone with my 89-year-old dad at my parents’ house, [...]
4 reasons to make the Law Enforcement Hockey Classic
Honor Flight Chicago is proud to present the sixth annual Law Enforcement Hockey Classic on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at The Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville. The game will see the Chicago Police face [...]