Since May of last year, I have been leading groups of private pilots and WW II Veterans out to Washington, DC to visit their long-awaited WW II Memorial. The trips are FREE for the veterans. We fly primarily in light, general aviation aircraft with pilots donating their time. Every trip has been a "mountain top" experience for members of "The Greatest Generation" because most had given up all hope of ever being able to visit their memorial. Our program is called Honor Flight, Inc.

We're based out of Dayton, OH. Most of our pilots are members of the Aero Club here at Wright-Patterson AFB. During one of our flights, a WW II Veteran was sharing his military experiences with one of our pilots. He stated he was a radio operator in a B-17, shot down over Germany where he became a POW. The pilot said that his father was also a radio operator in a B-17, was shot down, successfully bailed out and he too became a POW. We later learned that both fathers were in the same POW camp at the same time. What an incredible coincidence!

We flew a total of 136 WW II Veterans last year and hope to fly many more this year. They all have stories and some (according to family members) share them for the first time on these trips. The veterans are thanked and acknowledged all day long. Even though most are in their 80's, at the end of the day when they return home to a crowd of flag-waving, cheering, family and friends, they get off the plane looking like they are in their 60's. Their heads head high, shoulders back and a noticeable bounce in their step. The transformation is wonderful to watch. This trip really is the "last hurrah" for these heroes and we're blessed to be a part of it.

Hi,
I think that is the most admirable thing I have ever heard. It comes bitter sweet to me and my family. My Grandpa was a IWO Jima vet, and let me tell you a very proud one. His license plate on his car said just that "IWOVET"
he went on almost every reunion. And the most exciting and honorable one was the 50yr reunion and they got to go back to the island for the first time since the war. He was the kindest most generous man. And he was only 19 yrs old when he fought for our country. Sadly we lost him in 1998, he was 73yrs old. He never got to see the WWII memorial, and what you are doing really did bring tears to my eyes. You are a great man and I respect you so much.
It is nice to hear that there are people like you in this world.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Goodman
my grandpa's name was Thomas McGuire he served in the 5th division Marines. He was from Boston Ma.