Larry Nazimek: A veterans advocate

By Marilyn Lucas, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interview Volunteer

This captain comes from a long line of veterans. His grandfather served in World War I. His father and uncle both served in World War II. Larry Nazimek, an only child, who grew up in Chicago, attended Saint Hyacinth, a private school now closed. His childhood goal was to fly. Even as a small boy in the sandbox, he had his eyes on the planes flying overhead.

Larry attended the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, where he received a B.S. and M.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. He knew he was destined for adventure when he proclaimed his rocket propulsion class was his most interesting class. After graduation, he went on to work for the McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Company with the job title of Assoc. Engineer/Scientist. He worked on the Spartan ABM and Skylab project during this time.

Larry enlisted in the Air Force in 1973 at the age of 23, starting at the Officer Training School in San Antonio. Officer Trainees enter OTS as staff sergeants and within three months are commissioned as second lieutenants.

At that particular time, there was a greater need for navigators as opposed to pilots. He attended navigator school in Sacramento, California. In his spare time, he took flying lessons at the Sacramento Executive Airport to earn a Private Pilot License.

He trained on the T-29 which was called the “flying classroom“. He attributes his knowledge of World War II technology of airplanes to his experience in the “flying classroom”. He later became a weapons system officer, in the F4 phantom. After training at Luke AFB, AZ, Larry was sent to Okinawa flying the F-4D.

In 1976 Larry was sent to Korea during Operation Paul Bunyan. This particular operation was the result of two Army Officers in a tree trimming detachment being ambushed and killed in the Panmunjom Joint Security Area. The tree had obscured the visibility of a guard post. Many wondered if this incident would start World War III. In retaliation, the US sent over 300 troops as a show of deterrence and strength. Larry’s mission was to be ready at any given moment to attack if hostilities increased. The response showed North Korea that any act of aggression would be met with a powerful response.

1977 was Goldsboro, North Carolina, flying the F-4E, where his unit was transitioning from air superiority to ground attack, so his expertise from his previous unit helped his new unit in their transition. Aircrews practice their bombing with 25-pound practice bombs.

Most navigators want to become pilots, so there is a highly competitive process for a very limited number of pilot training slots. After submitting several letters from colonels and generals, he was accepted into pilot training in Del Rio, TX. Having a Private Pilot License enabled him to avoid the Flight screening program. He trained on T-37 and the T-38.

He went on to fly B-52’s, training at Castle AFB, CA, and then on to his operational assignment at Grand Forks AFB, ND, flying B-52s and T-38s. There he served his last few years in the service. As Larry describes it “those last four years during the Cold War were spent in a very cold place.”

After a 12-year stint in the Air Force, Larry returned home. He found the job market extremely limited because of all the returning pilots from the Vietnam War. One of his jobs was with Prompt Air. Unfortunately, on one of his missions, his engine quit, resulting in his crashing in ground fog. His left wing hit a tree, causing the plane to roll over, landing upside down in a bean field. He was temporarily blinded in one eye, broke his arm, and tore open his right thigh. He attributes his Air Force Survival School training to his survival. He followed his training to find a straight line. He was able to locate the remains of a fence in the field and followed that straight line, which led him to a trailer and was able to call for help.

Not being one to sit still, Larry found a job with a small charter company flying Lear jets. The shifts were erratic, mostly a wide variety of missions, with organ transplants being his favorite. During that short stint he had the opportunity to fly The Beach Boys, which he said was hilarious. Larry also flew for “Lifeline Pilots,” a volunteer organization that provides free transportation, in privately-owned aircraft, for people who must travel for specialized medical treatment, but can’t afford the transportation.

Captain Nazimek is a formidable presence as the current chairman of the Coalition of Veterans Organizations. Larry was one of the 24 Chicago veterans receiving the award for outstanding contributions to their professions and communities at the annual Chicago Veterans Ball in 2024. As a dedicated advocate, Larry emphasizes the importance of united efforts saying “We speak louder when we join together to speak with one voice.” He has been extremely vocal regarding the benefits of Medicaid recipients versus the benefits received by veterans. He has been a strong proponent of VA dental care. Recently he has worked closely with Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, the ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Committee’s Compliance and Investigation Subcommittee regarding the impact of today’s current cutbacks on veterans. While he is very interested in today’s politics, he made it a point to say “there is no R or D on the dog tags,” so veterans’ care should not be a partisan issue.

Larry has still found time to serve on the Veterans and Families Advisory Counsel at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. He is also a Beat Facilitator in Chicago’s Community Policing Program and a member of the 25th District Advisory Council. In his spare time, which he seems to have none of, Larry has dabbled in acting. He is a member of the Screen Actors Guild. He has been seen on such programs as Chicago PD, Untouchables,  an Old Style Beer Chicago Marathon commercial, and most importantly, a commercial for the Illinois Lottery. Oh and let’s not forget that he was a torch bearer for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Larry carried the torch up the steps of the Museum of Science and Industry, while they were playing the Air Force song. He gave a brief speech in the ceremony and still has his white uniform to this day.

Captain Nazimek is also listed on the Wall of Honor at the National Air and Space Museum for his lifetime achievements. As this is not enough, let us mention the fact that Larry is published. He has written articles for various aviation magazines, especially “In Flight USA” where he is a staff writer. In his mini adventures as an aviation writer, he has also managed to fly during practice rounds with various flying teams during airshow media days. Of his many experiences, Larry had the opportunity to do a tandem jump with the Golden Knights and rode on NASA’s “Vomit Comet,” where he later wrote an article about his experience. Larry maintains a membership with the Chicago Veterans, Veteran Strike Force, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and the Experimental Aircraft Association.

Captain Larry Nazimek has had an amazing life, so many different adventures, which makes him an extremely interesting interview. The most admirable takeaway is his dedication to the veterans and the ongoing purpose to improve their lives. We salute you Larry! Your service continues in your volunteer work for your fellow Americans.

Larry, thank you for your years of service to our country. Enjoy your day of honor as you experience Washington D.C…..and We look forward to WELCOMING YOU HOME!