On Wednesday, September 25, Chicago Honor Flight #118 took 113 veterans from all branches of the military from Midway to Washington, D.C. It was a day they will never forget.
Of those 113, there was: One from World War II, age 97; two from the Korean War, average age 86; and 110 from the Vietnam era, with an average age of 78. Also on the flight, there were nine flight crew, 12 medical guardians, and 40 family guardians. In Washington, D.C., 91 additional guardians joined the group, so every veteran had a guardian to answer questions and help them in any way needed. There were more than 225 volunteers, who contributed in excess of 1,500 hours to ensure a successful trip.
Among this group of Veterans was Air Force Staff Sgt. Dennis Cowger, crew chief of C-130, years 1969–1973, from Peotone.
Here is a little glimpse of what his day entailed: Drop off at Midway Airport by 4 a.m. for a 7 a.m. flight. He was greeted by volunteers, given a wheelchair for comfort, a shirt and backpack, then went through security. After that, the Vets were offered donuts and coffee. Everyone’s shirts matched except for the lanyards, which were in six colors to designate which bus you were on in D.C.
Dennis was given a breakfast sandwich and snacks on the plane and arrived at D.C. around 9:30 a.m. There, they were greeted by Honor Guards and visitors, then loaded on buses.
The Veterans first activity allowed them to walk around the Memorials, including the Lincoln, World War II, Korean, Vietnam Wall, Nurses, Wall of Faces, and Women of Vietnam. He had seen the traveling Vietnam Wall but was overwhelmed by the size and the effect all the memorials had on him and the other Veterans.
While traveling to the next destination on the bus, he could see more landmarks and memorials. When heading to the Hiroshima Memorial, they were served Chick-fil-A sandwiches.
Next on the itinerary was Arlington National Cemetery, then on to the Air and Space Museum by Dulles Airport. There also were a few surprises throughout the day. The Vets arrived back at the airport for supper, and departed for an 8 p.m. arrival at Midway.
The welcome home was long overdue, but quite impressive as the Veterans were greeted by Bagpipers, the Frankfort Brass Band, all the volunteers, flight crew, honor guards, Scout groups, photographers, family, and friends. There were tears, hugs, and handshakes, as well as many greetings of “welcome home” and “thank you.”
The whole experience is one Dennis will never forget and will keep these memories with him forever. It was a day to make new friends, bring back memories, see the memorials, and know all those on the trip were grateful, thankful, and blessed.
For additional information, Google and sign-up at Honor Flight Chicago, fill out the application, and wait. Dennis waited more than a year. The Honor Flight from Chicago is flown seven months of the year, with more than 6,355 veterans, to date, honored on these flights.