The Veterans Administration estimates that we lose about 500 veterans of World War Two every day. Many die without visiting the National World War Two Memorial in Washington D.C. Because of this the Honor Flight Network is on a mission. It’s trying to get as many Second World War vets to the nation’s capital as possible to visit the memorial built in their honor. This fall, it flew 83 veterans to Washington from southern Michigan free of charge and I went along with them.
I reported to the Kalamazoo Battle Creek Airport at "oh- dark-thirty," along with a group of hearty World War Two Veterans. Being a 21-year Army veteran myself, I was pleased to see they were greeted by some energetic local Service Members. They included Air Force Master Sergeant Carmen LaGuardia from the 110th Attack Wing in Battle Creek.
“The adrenaline is just rushing, I met em all last night at the meet and greet, and it’s just an incredible bunch of people. They started opening up and telling their stories because of this trip, and it’s just unbelievable.”
On my way to the gate, we listened to The Kalamazoo Mall City Harmonizers serenade us as we embarked on the sixth Talons Out Honor Flight. Harmonizers leader Michael Sobel considered the gig a top priority despite the early hour. ”We love doing it, even getting up at the crack of dawn, its wonderful! Once we get here and we see the look on their faces, it’s a wonderful feeling...a minor sacrifice… there you go!”
Navy Veteran Arthur Schwartz says he's looked forward to a trip like this all his life. Each veteran also had a "Guardian" to help them get around. Schwartz’s Guardian for the day was Grand Haven High School Junior Jack Costello, who told me he jumped at the chance to talk with someone who’s part of world history.
“You really don’t understand anything until you hear it from the source, I mean, it’s incredible. It completely changes your perspective of everything.”
Once on the ground at Washington National Airport, I saw a group of people about a hundred strong crowding the gate to show their support. Then we got onto five buses waiting outside the airport. On the bus, I caught up with George Davis, a radio operator with the Army Air Corps during World War Two, who was anxious to make the trip with his daughter, Kathy Haden.
“I’d been hearing about it for a few years, and I really didn’t think I was gonna get a chance to do it – especially free!"
Our first stop: a visit to Arlington National Cemetery to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Then it was onto the World War Two Memorial, where I tagged along with Army veteran Milt Moxin, making the trip with his two sons, both Vietnam War Veterans.
“It brings back a lot of memories, I’m just overwhelmed, I don’t know what to say...”
Moxin’s son Doug says he was moved by the attention given to his father and other other veterans. “It’s amazing how well they have everything organized, how well they treat the veterans, and how special they make them feel…and it’s just a remarkable day.”
While wheelchairs were available, many chose to walk - and swiftly - on their own to the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials, giving me a run for my money. After lunch, the bus convoy, which had a police escort for the entire day, also took us to the Military Women’s Memorial and Museum, and the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. The tour wrapped up at the new United States Air Force Memorial on a hill overlooking the Pentagon.
Over a barbeque box dinner, I spoke with some of the veterans about the day’s events. Navy Veteran Milton Rackahm probably spoke for many veterans about his feelings during the trip.
“I silently cried because I was so moved with the way the people accepted us…to me it was just awesome, and the whole thing has just been a Cinderella day. And I have a son that came and brought me here, and to spend time with him. And he’s finding some of the things that I did, that he never knew.”
Then all too soon it was back home to Kalamazoo. There too, the veterans got a huge welcome from at least 2,000 well- wishers.
So far, the Talons Out Honor Flight Program as taken more than 400 World War Two Veterans from southern Michigan to Washington. While no date has been set, the next flight is scheduled for spring 2016.
You can get more information by e-mailing TOHF at info-at-talonshonorflight-dot-org, or by calling (269) 273-4545.
