There are no strangers on the Honor Flight – only good friends that we haven’t met yet!
This is so true when thirty veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War leave for the 47th Rocky Mountain Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. on May 23-25. The veterans were accompanied by 24 Guardians, many of whom are veterans themselves. I was honored to serve as a Team Lead Guardian on this flight. Brother Jim Kato’s daughter, Amanda Kato is a retired USAF Colonel and was part of my team. We always have a couple of Masons on the trip.
These honored veterans are guests and travel at no expense to them. The reaction of fellow travelers as we make our way through Denver International Airport is heart-warming. Nearly everyone is standing, clapping, cheering and shaking the hands of the veterans as they pass.
The 47th Honor Flight saw two World War II veterans, aged 100 years old and 97 years old; three Korean War veterans and twenty-five Vietnam War veterans. This was also our first flight with a service dog – Phil, a 10-year old Golden Retriever with his Vietnam vet. They both did great!
These Honor Flights are always exciting, emotional and are experiences that will never be forgotten by the men and women on the Flight – regardless of whether they are a Guardian or an Honored Veteran. These veterans are humble and appreciative. They don’t view themselves as heroes – they were “just doing my job.”
Yet each one of these brave men and women left their homes, their families and friends and went off to serve their country selflessly. They often “sailed in harm’s way” and experienced situations that are difficult, if not impossible to share with their families or friends. But with others who have the same life experiences, they can and do immediately bond and make new best friends. The Honor Flights are often therapeutic in this way. It’s an honor to be able to share these trips with these veterans.
Rocky Mountain Honor Flight is a non-profit organization that is totally funded by donations and contributions. We make four trips each year with 30 Veterans and 24 Guardians. The Guardians are all volunteers and pay their own way on the trips.
To apply for the Rocky Mountain Honor Flight as either a Veteran or a Guardian, go to www.rockymountainhonorflight.org
The veterans in their red shirts ready to board our private train at DEN for the departure gate.
The DEN Fire Department provided a water salute to our Honor Flight.
The Town Crier met us at BWI and escorted us through the airport, announcing our arrival to a cheering and clapping crowd,
The World War II Memorial is our first stop on Friday.
The Vietnam Wall.
USAF Col. Amanda Kato is surrounded by two old sailors – the Chief is holding his beer!
Col. Mike Lowe, USMC (Ret.) always has a team of veterans to present the colors and set the Missing Man table at our Friday dinner.
Our Black Team on the 47th Rocky Mountain Honor Flight. Hooyah!
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
The Sergeant of the Guard inspects the relieving Tomb Guard.
The Marine Memorial depicts the flag-raising at Iwo Jima.
The US Air Force Memorial with the Pentagon, the Jefferson Memorial and the Capitol in the background.
My good friend Henry Jones is a retired Denver Police officer, serves as a Lead Guardian and also serves on the Board of the National Medal of Honor Society.
Welcome Home! So much different than it was 50 years ago when we returned from Vietnam.
The El Jebel Pipe Band has greeted every returning Honor Flight for more than 17 years. Thank you!
The Young Marines are always there to welcome us home.
Our 100-year old veteran of World War II, Royal – is greeted by a young American patriot. Look at that young man’s look on his face. God Bless America!
Part of our welcome home greeters.
So mote it be.
Danny L Tomlinson
dtomlinson@msn.com
303-638-6509