The last couple of weeks I have been extended an amazing opportunity. In conjunction with a class I am taking at UW-Whitewater I have been able to do some work and research for Badger Honor Flight. Badger Honor Flight is an amazing organization that is made up 100% of unpaid volunteers, that work day in and day out to make sure that veterans for World War II and most recently the Korean Ware are able to go to the memorials that have been erected in their honor, in Washington D.C..
The way that Badger Honor Flight executes this goal is really quite incredible. They get all of the veterans to the airport very early in the morning, with all of their families. There is some entertainment and send-off and then they jet off to Washington D.C. to see their memorials. Upon arrival in D.C. the veterans are welcomed with a party. They are thanked and loved on by local military personnel as well as civilians. The veterans then, along with their sponsors spend the day in Washington D.C. seeing the memorials that have been built to honor their lives and service. For many veterans this is a humbling and emotional experience, for several reasons. One of the reasons is because they thought they would never be able to visit this memorial, due to the financial burdens as well as, for most of them, their failing health. Another reason is because many of these veterans were really never thanked for their service, and this is their country thanking them for the years of their lives they gave to this country.
After the veterans have been given their whirlwind tour of D.C. and their memorials they are taken back to the airport. At the airport in D.C. they are greeted with more flair and fun. They then board their plan where another surprise is awaiting them. They get to again, experience mail call, which many veterans describe as one of the shining moments of being in the service. This mail call is full of handmade cards and letters from their family and friends back home thanking them for everything they sacrificed during their time during the war.
When the veterans return home in Madison there is one final surprise waiting for them when they come down the elevator after their flight. A big welcome home party, they may have never received before. The entire lobby of the airport is flooded with people waiting to welcome their beloved veterans home. Many of the families have beautiful homemade signs thanking them for their service and welcoming them home. Upon that trip down from the elevator they are welcomed by people dancing and a full swing band. It is definitely a big welcome home for these veterans.
I got to go and be a part of a welcome home for the October 19th flight, in Madison. It was certainly a sight to behold. There were people making signs and holding signs, anxiously awaiting the arrival of their veteran. When the veterans come down the elevator there is all sorts of cheering and yelping from the crowd. People crowd the aisle wanting to thank the veterans and shake their hands. Many of the veterans are overwhelmed with emotions and cannot hold back their tears, they are so thankful to be loved and thanked!
Veteran homecoming
Badger Honor Flight is doing amazing things for these veterans that have received little to no thanks for their service in World War II and The Korean War. Badger Honor Flight exists solely on donations and they never ask any of the veterans to pay any money for their trips, and only ask their sponsors to pay for their trip. If you could like to donate to Badger honor flight you can click, here.
You can learn more about Badger Honor Flight also, on their Facebook page.
