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Resident Helps Honor
World War II Veterans
It was by chance that Glen Ellyn resident Read Boeckel became involved with Honor Flight. He was watching the television show, Good Morning America in October 2007 and saw a clip about the effort to give World War II Veterans a chance to visit the new war memorial. He immediately thought of his own father who is a World War II veteran. He arranged for his dad to go on a flight and a few months later, accepted an opportunity to become part of a Chicago chapter of the Honor Flight effort. Last October, Honor Flight Chicago sent their 16th group of veterans to Washington, DC. To date, they have sent more than 1,000 veterans to Washington, D.C. and there is a waiting list for flights through 2012. Several local organizations and individuals have stepped up to donate the funds to make Honor Flight possible.
This is more than a free sightseeing trip notes Boeckel. On the day of the trip, the veterans arrive at Midway airport around 4 a.m. where they are matched up with guardians who help them through the day. The guardians pay for their own fares and assist by lending a steady hand to the aging group. The veterans are served breakfast and entertained by a Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy style girls trio before boarding the plane. They land to a ceremonial water cannon salute at the airport near Washington, D.C. After boarding buses, they are taken to see museums and several war memorials. "It is a very emotional day for them," says Boeckel.
After a full day, they board a plane to come home and are surprised by mail call. Each veteran is given a packet of letters from old friends, family, community members and others thanking them for their service. When the plane lands, more than 2,000 friends and family and 100 Great Lakes recruits are lined up cheer them home.
"The stories are hear from these guys are amazing," says Boeckel who served in the Marines. "Do you know how many people lost their lives in World War II? 405,399. Another 670,846 were wounded. I don't think many people know that and they should. The best part of this whole experience with Honor Flight has been the wonderful people I have had the honor to meet. This is an incredible thing." For more information about Honor Flight Chicago, visit www.honorflightchicago.org.
–Judy Buchenot, Photo by Jane Donahue