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. And as our country approaches its 250th birthday this summer, Southwest Airlines provided an extremely special mode of transportation: the beautiful brand new Independence One aircraft created specifically for America250 celebrations.
Our Veterans experienced “near record-high temperatures” while in D.C., with the heat peaking at 96 degrees. Despite the irregular early season warmth, our Guardians and D.C. leadership were in midseason form with cooling cloths and fans to keep our heroes as comfortable as possible while they toured their Memorials.
That heat preceded a storm system that grounded planes at Washington area airports for several hours in the evening as we tried to make our way home. The Veterans used the time on the plane waiting for takeoff clearance to bond further and share their own experiences with one another. There were no complaints, only camaraderie, which highlights one of the most special aspects of Honor Flight Chicago missions.
Thank you to all who stuck around Midway until the Welcome Home parade finally began shortly after 11 p.m. The route was still packed with revelers young and old, and the parade featured all the pomp and circumstance we believe our heroes deserve for their service and sacrifice.
We also want to give special recognition to the Southwest Airlines team at Dulles International Airport. Led by Eric Jackson, the station staff at IAD has for years served our Veterans with exceptional professionalism and gratitude, both upon arrival and again in the evening as we head home. SWA will close its Dulles station later in June, and while we will still arrive and depart from IAD aboard Southwest planes on future flights, it will be with different logistics, and those dedicated SWA team members will no longer be a part of our flight days. For all your years of service to those who served: THANK YOU.
Edna Ho and Doug Meffley
Directors, Honor Flight Chicago
“After spending a wonderful day with my Guardian, I felt like I’d known him for years. My biggest surprise was my family waiting for me. It brought me to tears. Thank you for all you do for Veterans, surely you have a place in Heaven. Just don’t be in a hurry to get there!”
— Vietnam Veteran Richard Mrozinski
“I, along with all the other attendees, truly had a tremendous time. I want to specifically commend all the volunteers for your kindness, friendliness, and professionalism. Your organization and leadership made the entire trip seamless. This is an experience I will honor and remember for the rest of my life.”
— Vietnam Veteran Chuck Speake
“As I was driving home with my wife and my two sisters one of them asked: what was the favorite part of the day. I thought for only a second or two and said: ‘the volunteers.’ From my initial contact person, to all the Orange and Green shirts who met us at 4am, to my Guardian in DC, that was the best part of the day. I can’t thank HFC enough for a magnificent day. In my mind I’m still seeing all the volunteers cheerfully welcoming me, shaking my hand and thanking me for my service. I’m trying to figure out how I can volunteer. I think I’ll be seeing you again. Thanks again.”
— Vietnam Veteran Michael Higgins
“Not in my most wild dream or imagination, could I have guessed at the wonderful, fantastic experience that day was. Finally, after 56 years, I feel like a Vietnam veteran that was welcomed home! And what a Welcome from everyone, even after our 2+hour flight delay. I cannot express in words what this day felt like and meant to me and my fellow veterans.”
— Vietnam Veteran Larry Beall
“It’s been a little over one week since that fantastic honor flight to Washington. I just can’t say enough about it. I talk about it all the time. I let my friends know how wonderful it was and I even spread the word to other veterans that haven’t been on it. It really changed my life. I’m so happy that I went on the Chicago honor flight. A big shout out to all the volunteers. They do an absolutely fantastic job, something I will never forget.”
— Vietnam Veteran John Orlando
“The Honor Flight was very professional and organized from the beginning of application through the trip to DC and back. The profound effect of support and respect for each and every Vet will be something I will never forget. The letters from Mail Call were overwhelming. Letters from school kids, politicians, neighbors and mostly my family were eye opening and heartwarming. I thank you!”
— Vietnam Veteran Pete Bistolfo
“Seeing the monuments again brought tears to eyes, especially the Vietnam memorial, where I looked up 5 of buddies on the wall. Then, the return to Chicago and I saw my family and friends and all of the cheering by the crowd again brought tears to my eyes. The last time I was this emotional was when the “freedom bird” was accelerating down the runway in Saigon in 1969. What a wonderful and emotional day.”
— Vietnam Veteran Terry Ruettiger
“I, and all the veterans, had such a spectacular time on our flight. It was perfect in every way. Met so many fellow comrades. We shared laughter and tears. Seeing all those memorials was a sobering experience, especially Vietnam which hit me kind of hard. I needed to sit and compose myself after that one. My main takeaway from my time in Vietnam was gratitude. Gratitude for the good times for what they give me. Gratitude for the tough times for what they teach me.”
— Vietnam Veteran Rob Anderson
