Honoring veterans with an all-expense paid trip to the nation’s capital is what “Honor Flights” is all about explained Chicago Director Doug Meffley when speaking to Sycamore Rotarians. Meffley said that beyond a trip, “we change lives” by helping with healing and closure from their military service. “Honor Flights” began its Chicago operation in 2008 (the organization was started in Ohio in 2005). Since then, there have been 106 flights serving 9,995 veterans according to Meffley. He said there first flight in June of 2008 was for 60 World War II veterans, included 45 guardian assistants, involved 3 busses, and cost $35,000. He compared this with their most recent trip involving 113 veterans, 158 guardians, 6 busses, and a cost of $140,000. “Honor Flights” now services veterans through the Viet Nam War period. Meffley shared some personal stories of veterans. It showed the impact of his organization on a member of the Tuskegee Airmen from World War II, a Korean War veteran who had earned a purple heart, and a Viet Nam war veteran who earned two purple hearts and who got reconnected with a high school friend who thought the veteran had died in the war.
Beyond doing the “Honor Flights,” Meffley said their group does various awareness projects. Their Operation Education program seeks to bring veteran connections, education, and inspiration to school students. Their outreach has extended to 108 elementary schools, 50 middle schools, and 45 high schools. Mission Never Forget sends out birthday cards to veterans. They do Veteran Homes contacts which includes yard signs at the care facilities. Meffley said they even do a podcast.
Meffley said hundreds of volunteers are involved in an “Honor Flight”. On flight day the veterans and volunteers gather at Midway Airport in the early morning hours wearing various colored t-shirts identifying them as a participant or helper. Even after a full-day of activities the veterans get a surprise mail-call on their trip home that was coordinated in advance with family or fiends of veterans. “Honor Flights” is totally supported by donations. Their website, www.honorflightchicago.org, has information on how to donate and/or recommend a participant.