Blog

Blog2017-09-05T13:32:12-05:00

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.

November 8th, 2023|News|

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. 

October 19th, 2023|Profiles|

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.

October 16th, 2023|Profiles|

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.

September 18th, 2023|Profiles|

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.

August 22nd, 2023|Profiles|

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.

August 22nd, 2023|Profiles|

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.

August 22nd, 2023|Profiles|

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 [...]

July 20th, 2023|News|

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.

June 25th, 2023|News|

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.

June 12th, 2023|Profiles|

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.

June 10th, 2023|Profiles|

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.”

May 16th, 2023|News|

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 [...]

April 7th, 2023|News|

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!

March 30th, 2023|Profiles|

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.”  

October 15th, 2022|Profiles|

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.

October 15th, 2022|Profiles|

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.

October 15th, 2022|Profiles|

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!!!”

September 29th, 2022|News|

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.

September 17th, 2022|Profiles|

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.

September 17th, 2022|Profiles|

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.

August 30th, 2022|News|

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.

August 20th, 2022|Profiles|

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.

August 20th, 2022|Profiles|

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.

August 20th, 2022|Profiles|

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.

August 20th, 2022|Profiles|

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.

June 22nd, 2022|News|

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).

May 18th, 2022|News|

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 [...]

September 23rd, 2021|News|

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!

October 23rd, 2019|News|

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.

October 8th, 2019|Profiles|

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.

September 26th, 2019|News|

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.

September 16th, 2019|Profiles|

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.

August 2nd, 2019|Profiles|

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.

August 2nd, 2019|Profiles|

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.”

August 2nd, 2019|Profiles|

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.

June 1st, 2018|Profiles|

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.

June 1st, 2018|Profiles|

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.

June 1st, 2018|Profiles|

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.

June 1st, 2018|Profiles|

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.

June 1st, 2018|Profiles|

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.”

May 7th, 2018|Profiles|

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.

May 2nd, 2018|News|

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.

April 13th, 2018|News|

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.

April 9th, 2018|News|

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.

April 8th, 2018|Profiles|

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 [...]

November 1st, 2017|News|

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 [...]

July 25th, 2017|News|

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 25th, 2017|News|
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