“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.
“We could not have been treated any better. It was a day of never-ending surprises culminating in a reception at Midway I will never forget.”
The fifth flight of our 2025 season arrived in Washington, D.C., on August 20 with four Korean War and 106 Vietnam War veterans, including Army SP4 Widlarz. His sentiments speak exactly to our goal each and every flight: Inspire our senior heroes with a day of honor, gratitude and respect like they have never felt before. And of course throw the best Welcome Home party they could imagine!
HFC124 was among the smoothest in our history, which is a testament to the investment and experience of our volunteer corps both in Chicago and in our nation’s capital. Our honored Veterans stopped at the Marine Corps Memorial before our traditional war memorial stops on the Mall in DC. They watched a precise (and fun!) performance by the Army Drill Team, and explored the vast military collection at the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center.
Arriving back home at Midway, the crowds finally gave these heroes the Welcome they have deserved for so long. Air Force Captain Hank Polson said: “The Welcome Home crowd was spectacular. Lots different than the 1970s.”
Thank you to all who made HFC124 a success. Next month, we reach two milestones in our history when we fly our 12,000th senior Veteran to Washington, D.C., aboard our 125th flight. We are proud of our history, but we’re most excited about our future. Continue to spread the word among the veterans in your life that now is the time to sign up for their Day of Honor and long-deserved proper Welcome Home.
It may be 55 years later, but we’ll make it even greater!
Edna Ho and Doug Meffley
Directors, Honor Flight Chicago
“Words cannot describe how I feel. I was excited, humbled and had an awesome time:”
— Vietnam Veteran Jerry Przybyla
“Still can’t believe the day. It went fast and was a wonderful, unexpected experience.”
— Vietnam Veteran John O’Malley
“The whole day was terrific and the monuments and Mall were unforgettable. The welcome home crowd was spectacular too. Lots different than 1974. Thanks for making the day so special.”
— Vietnam Veteran Hank Polson
“I can’t express how grateful and honored I am for the Honor Flight Chicago experience. It definitely is a highlight of my life!”
— Vietnam Veteran Donald Asher
