A ‘Daddy-Daughter Honor Flight’

In 41 days he would be 83 years old, and seeing him sitting there, one would never know of his disabilities until it was time to shake hands. Even the fact he is sitting in a wheelchair does not fully reveal the extent of a lack of the mobility that once allowed him the freedom to do what he loved most ... farming. But in November 2008 his body failed him and illness struck, paralyzing his right side but certainly not his zest for life.

So when he asked if I would consider traveling to Washington, D.C., as his guardian for the Honor Flight Springfield on Oct. 16, it was easy to accept this honor for one of our Korean War vets. Hence, the paperwork begins.

The goal is that the veteran pays nothing nor does nothing but show up for the flight. As guardian, you are the first in an unbelievable lineup of individuals to show this veteran the appreciation they deserved those many years ago. There are surprises along the way the guardian must assist with, so I am prepared, whereas the veteran is overwhelmed. These are those brief moments where you see the pain they endured whether emotional or physical while serving their country. During guardian training, you are warned of these moments and how to deal with them.

The guardian is also warned ... it will be a long day! You are not going on a vacation. You have a very important job to do. Take care of your veteran’s every need. It will be a 17-hour day beginning at 4:45 a.m. and hopefully ending by 9:30 p.m. This is not a fashion flight, so wear comfortable everything. You are not visiting a Food Channel set. The food is boxed lunches eaten in the bus en route to your next stop. Snacks and water are always available. Never, ever leave your veteran. It is their day!