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Honor Air Flight

jmig

jmig

SOH-CM-2025
Yesterday (Saturday April 10th, 2010) I had the distinct honor and privilege to travel with over a hundred WWII Veterans to Washington D.C. to tour the various war monuments. I was a "Guardian" or escort for one of these men and women.

This gentleman went in the Army in 1940 as a mule skinner. He was an anti aircraft gunner in the Solomon Islands. Upon returning to the US, he was shifted to the Infantry and sent to Europe, where he was in the Battle of Bulge.

I have attached a few photos of our trip.

One is my Vet and me at the airport before leaving. He is a young 87.

The four men are laying a wreath before the tomb of the Unknown Solider. The Honor Guard Sargent in charge is from Louisiana and he spoke with us.

The picture of the Gentlemen at the Marine Monument is for Mud Marine, Scratch and all of our Marines. This Hero was at Iwo Jima. If you look closely at his chest you will see he is wearing some medals. Among those medals are the, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.
 
I was humbled at the stories of these men and women. There were two women with us who were Vets.

I met a B-25 pilot who flew over Italy. He told me they could not go above 15,000 ft because the plane was not pressurized and they had no oxygen.

Beside me on the trip home was a 90 yr old 101 Airborne member who jumped behind the lines on D-Day. It was like being inside a living history book.

For the first time in many years, I really missed my father. I only wish he had lived long enough to go on this trip.
 
jmig,
Glad you posted that......Last year, I had a wonderful experience representing Barksdale AFB while greeting Honor Flight members arriving at Shreveport...:jump::medals:
 
What a distinct honor and privilege as others have mentioned here for you to have been a part of . My Dad was on Iwo Jima and while he was still living we often talked about he and I visiting DC and the Iwo monument and museums but we never got a chance to . I am going to check into to this and hopefully be a part of this someday . The ranks of the WWll vets are quickly dwinding away . What a generation !

Rich
 
John~ I completely missed this one! I'm just now catching up with some of the forums on here! With that said, when I read this and especially when I saw the pictures you shared, I could not help but get somewhat emotional. The picture of them, placing the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier, is so endearing! When I see those veterans, still standing tall and looking so proud, it puts joy in my heart. They have given so much for their country and we owe them so much!

What an honor to have been able to spend time with all of them John! Thank you for sharing your special moment with us.

That's so awesome!
 
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