The chapter was honored to support a heartfelt send-off for the nation's veterans in July as part of the Honor Flight Network at Washington Dulles International Airport. The chapter had the privilege of supporting this inspiring event, which celebrates the service and sacrifice of American heroes as they boarded their return flight home.
Since 2005, the Honor Flight Network has enabled more than 200,000 veterans from all services to visit Washington, D.C., from more than 130 locations nationwide to visit memorials erected in their honor, as well as to honor fallen service members. They are treated with a full day of the recognition and respect they deserve!
This flight included 115 veteran heroes, 112 from the Vietnam War and three from the Korean War, representing the full strength of U.S. armed forces:
76 Army, 20 Navy, 10 Marine, eight Air Force and one Coast Guard
Roles included four combat infantry, three combat medics, two Navy corpsmen, one Navy diver and one aviation wings recipient.
Among these heroes were individuals highly decorated for their valor and sacrifice:
Nine Purple Hearts, one Bronze Start with Valor, three Bronze Stars with two oak leaf clusters (OLC), nine Bronze Stars, seven Air Medals, three Army Commendations with Valor.
To date, Honor Flight Chicago has flown 11,882 veterans to the nation's capital since its first flight in 2008:
6,356 WWII veterans
2,270 Korean War veterans
3,146 Vietnam War veterans
These heroes arrived at Midway Airport early to begin a full day of remembrance and recognition. After a day of events in D.C., they were met with cheers, recognition and heartfelt thanks by more than 100 community members at Dulles International Airport for their journey home.
The chapter is humbled to play a part in this powerful mission of celebration and remembrance. Supporting this event reflects the chapter's deep commitment to honoring those who have served. It was a privilege for the Northern Virginia team to stand alongside community partners, dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors to express collective gratitude to these American heroes.
The chapter extends sincere thanks to everyone who helped make the day possible and for creating a lasting moment of recognition for those who continue to inspire with their courage, dedication and service. |
