Honor Flight Chicago recognizes the bravery, determination, and patriotism of our nation’s senior war veterans with a one-of-a-kind journey to Washington, D.C. Their mission is to honor, thank, and inspire by building awareness and appreciation of the debt of gratitude America owes its veterans for their service and sacrifice for our nation. For the veterans, the trip is only one day, but the experience is life changing.
Day of Honor in Washington, D.C.
The centerpiece of the program is the Day of Honor in Washington, D.C., visiting the memorials built in tribute to the service of our veterans from WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. This trip is provided at no cost to the veteran and is intended as a heartfelt thank you for their service and sacrifice from a grateful nation.
Robert Palumbo, Mortgage Loan Originator at First Centennial Mortgage, volunteers with the morning shift for flights out of Midway Airport. For Day of Honor flights, he arrives at 3:00 am to ensure every vet is greeted when they are dropped off and assists them with a wheelchair which they are required to use. After check-in, the veterans are all wheeled through a private check point with the help of TSA and Midway’s management.
2022 Season of Flights
The 2022 season was one to remember. It was HFC’s first full season since before the COVID-19 pandemic began, featuring the return of the Pipe and Drum parade and the Frankfort Brass Band at Midway. The year kicked off with the historic 100th flight in April. June marked the biggest flight ever with 119 veterans on board. In July HFC celebrated Operation Education with a themed flight promoting their mission’s expansion in local schools. September saw the bittersweet milestone of the first flight without a WWII veteran.
Through all seasons, the volunteers continue to show up time after time. This program would not be possible without the help of the volunteers and the generous donations received. This Veteran’s Day and every day, may we offer gratitude and sincere appreciation to all our nation’s veterans. For more information on Honor Flight Chicago, visit their website at: https://www.honorflightchicago.org/
