Stars and Stripes Honor Flight-The Final Thank You By Olivia Grych

As they stepped off the plane at General Mitchell Airport, a dull roaring sound from the terminal reached their ears. Some thought it was perhaps a protest while others disregarded the sound completely. Little did they know, that at the end of the terminal and around the bend, were thousands of people waiting to welcome them home. For after 70 years, thanks to the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Organization, these men and women were finally getting the thank you they deserved. During World War II, millions of young American men and women enlisted with the United States Armed Forces. Hundreds of thousands died. Those who were fortunate enough to make it home never really got the chance to see the impact they made on American history or were adequately thanked for their service. The Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Organization hopes to remedy the situation by flying veterans down to Washington D.C. to see the memorials built to dedicate and remember those who served. The Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Organization tries to take as many veterans as they can because as Milwaukee founder Joe Dean says, “time is of the essence…hundreds of veterans are dying everyday…time is running out on the Greatest Generation.” As word about the organization spread, thousands of veterans and their families filled out applications so that their loved ones would get to take part. Says Carol, “My husband, Jerry, who fought in World War II in the Pacific signed up because he had heard about the positive experience other veterans had. I’m very glad Jerry got to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.” The day begins bright and early around 4:30am with roughly 600 volunteers involved with each flight. Volunteers begin the day by gathering the necessary wheelchairs and equipment to help veterans board the plane while also serving breakfast. Once the veterans arrive at their designated time, they board the plane where they will begin the experience of a lifetime. After touching down in Washington D.C., the veterans head to the first stop of the day-the memorials. Julian Plaster, an ambassador for the organization who served in the Navy in World War II, was lucky enough to go on the flight three times. Says Julian, “The first time I visited the memorials, I felt very small. After my second visit, I felt as though I really belonged and deserved to be a part of the memorials. The third time, I came to realize that the memorials are not just for veterans, but for all Americans.”

WW  II  Veteran  Jerry  and  his  wife  Carol  

One special aspect about the trip is its ability to bring veterans together and connect with one another. According to Publicity Chair, Karyn Roelke, these connections have been dubbed “Honor Flight Magic.” For example on the most recent flight, three 100-year-old veterans made the trip. When volunteers finally got the three of them together, they grabbed each other’s hands and were seen laughing and exchanging ID cards to prove how old they were. These beautiful moments where everything comes together to make veterans feel thrilled and appreciated show why the Honor Flight Organization is essential to helping veterans feel acknowledged.

Though the memorials are certainly the main attraction, there are other special events that take place throughout the 24-hour trip. Before the flight, unbeknownst to veterans, loved ones are asked to write letters to their special veteran thanking them for their service. On the way back, flight attendants simulate a mail roll call similar to what the soldiers experienced during the war. Says Joe Dean, “I had a guy tell me that before reading these letters, he didn’t know his family loved him.” These letters further drive home to the veterans that their service is appreciated by all. When the veterans finally touch back down in their home city, the real celebration begins. As veterans step off the plane, military men in full uniform and salute line the terminal to greet them. Though unexpected, the veterans have no idea that their special salute is only the beginning. As they make their way down the terminal, veterans are suddenly greeted with roaring cheers from thousands of people clapping in time to patriotic music being played by a local band. Women dressed in 1940’s style clothing complete with flowered, button down knee length dresses and colored headbands help veterans requiring assistance. All these details make veterans feel as though they are being transported back in time. The homecoming is one of the most emotional events of the day. This is where the magnitude of what they’ve accomplished really hits veterans as they realize that they’ve done something special. Says Julian Plaster, “I was walking down the ‘runway’ and I noticed this little girl to my right. She was so little and kept getting passed by so I bent

down to hug her. As I walked on, I heard her exclaim excitedly to her mom, “Mommy, he touched me!” My eyes filled with tears-I felt like a celebrity.” This experience is as humbling for the families and spectators as it is for the veterans. Adds Carol, “They (the veterans) didn’t expect it. It was almost more than you can take seeing the tears in their eyes. Seeing them respond to people’s reactions, you could really tell they felt appreciated.” For a generation who never talked about it and remained largely out of the spotlight once back home, the Stars and Stripes trip is a highlight of their lives. The trip provides them with an avenue to express and share their stories of the war with those who’ve lived it. Says a Korean War veteran, “It was the best day. I only wish we could do it all over again tomorrow.” Though it can be hard to express to veterans how truly thankful the world is for their service, the Stars and Stripes trip excels at making the experience the best it can be. Stars and Stripes Honor Flight-History

Created in 2004 by Earl Morse, the National Honor Flight Network grew both in size and in impact. As a physician assistant at a VA in Ohio, Earl worked with veterans and had always wondered if they would be willing to travel and visit their memorial. However, due to physical and financial constraints, many veterans told Earl it wouldn’t be possible.

Finally, Earl personally took one of his patients to visit the memorials in D.C. Seeing the impact it made on his patient, Earl created the National Honor Flight Network so that more veterans could experience that same joy. The organization was so successful and impacted so many that similar chapters, each with their own name, were created across the U.S.-even in Wisconsin. Around 130 Honor Flight chapters are spread out throughout the United States, but the Milwaukee chapter, Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, is one of the largest and oldest in the country. Since it’s founding in 2008, the Milwaukee chapter has flown approximately 3,500 veterans with roughly 100 veterans on each flight. All Honor Flights are funded entirely by donations as people wishing to serve as guardians must pay a fee of $500 in order to have the honor of accompanying a veteran on the trip. For every dollar donated, 98 cents go directly to the organization with “staff” taking no salary and working largely from their own homes or offices. The organization would not be as successful if it weren’t for the hundreds of selfless volunteers that give their time to ensure that all veterans feel appreciated and have a special day. To learn more about the organization please watch the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Documentary available on Netflix: http://www.netflix.com/WiMovie/70264284