HONOR
FLIGHT
WASHINGTON, D.C.
By Patricia M. Szpekowski, APR
Veterans are greeted
as they arrive in D.C.
Kids at Dulles Welcoming Veterans
Honoring the men and women who
answered our nation’s call and providing
veterans with closure is the deep-rooted
mission of the Honor Flight Network, a
non-profit organization.
Since it was founded in Ohio in 2005, over
125,729 veterans who served our nation
have taken their trip of a lifetime to
Washington, D.C. These heroes, of whom
many have never been recognized, have
experienced an extraordinary day visiting
the World War II Memorial, Korean War
Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial,
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and
Arlington National Cemetery.
The enthusiasm and journey begins early
in the morning at airports all over the
country for an Honor Flight. Veterans
are accompanied by a guardian to
assist them throughout the day. They
are entertained in many ways, such as
enjoying 40s tunes sung by an Andrews
Sisters’ type group, before boarding their
flights. As their plane takes off into the
sky, their full day ahead begins building
excitement. They have no idea what is in
store for them.
“When the plane arrives in Washington
D.C., the veterans are greeted with a
water gun salute when they disembark,”
said Jenny Brawley, volunteer and D.C.
Logistic Coordinator for Honor Flight.
Water Cannon Salute
They are then greeted by a group of
active and dedicated volunteers,” said
Lauren Spranger, Reagan Ground Crew
Coordinator.
“What is most heartwarming is that
the general flying public gets energized
and involved with us, too. We pass out
American flags to travelers, who are
either D.C. locals or those on vacation.
They are happy to support us and cheer.
It can be quite emotional for every single
person. It’s beautiful,” adds Spranger.
Military greeters also provide a warm
welcome and the veterans head for lunch
and the tours. “Visiting the memorials is
very emotional and uplifting for many of
the veterans,” said Spranger. “There’s
a closure for what they have bottled up
their entire lives.”
On their trips back to their home state,
the veterans’ spirits are really high and
the excitement continues with “Mail
Call”. Each vet’s name is called and
they receive a manila envelope packed
with up to 50 to 500 notes, letters and
cards from family members, schools,
hometowns, churches, businesses and
friends. Volunteers from Honor Flight
hubs arrange for the correspondence
well in advance of the trip to coordinate
and prepare the surprise.
But this isn’t the end of the exciting day.
The gates are lined with hundreds of
people who thank the veterans for their
service. American flags are displayed
everywhere. In the baggage claim area,
the veterans are greeted by hundreds of
people who cheer their return.
Spranger added, “Many veterans,
including my grandfathers who
participated in this very special day, tell
me this has been the second-best day of
their life after the day they got married”.
It’s a day full of powerful and lasting
memories for all involved.
Visit www.Honorflightdca.com for
more information on volunteering in
Washington, D.C.
A Warm Welcome
SUMMER 2017 15 FLYWASHINGTON.COM