I wore a T-shirt with “Army” stenciled across the front to a S.A.I.L. exercise class sometime last year. Jim Cundall, a classmate, walked over and introduced himself. Jim asked me about my Army service. After chatting for a few minutes, he told me he was an Honor Air Knoxville coordinator. This organization hosts a group of military veterans on flights to Washington, D.C., twice a year for a day of sightseeing and visits to the Military Memorials. I told Jim I was familiar with the organization and would love to go on one of the flights.
“Can you go on short notice?” he asked. “Possibly,” I replied because of our RV travel throughout the year. Jim explained that the flights are always filled long in advance, but there are always cancellations before the actual trip date, and he tries to fill them whenever he can. I asked him to put me on the waiting list.
For the record, I spent 24 wonderful years in the Army, both active and reserve. In 1968, I entered the service as an enlisted soldier and later earned a commission through Army ROTC. When I finished ROTC and graduated, Helen and I were married. I assumed I would be sent to Vietnam, but we were sent to Germany instead and spent an incredible three years there, plus another year serving at Fort Jackson, SC. After active duty, I missed Army life and, with a new baby, needed cash, so I joined the Army Reserve and served for another 20 years. I retired as a Lieutenant Colonel (a distinction I’m very proud of).
Soon after my conversation with Jim, he called and said he had a spot on the next Honor Air flight if I could make it. Unfortunately, Helen and I would be out of town on that date, but Jim said he would put me on the list for the flight scheduled for April 10 of this year. I thanked him and put it on my calendar, not to be touched.
(Click on any image below to enlarge)
In March, the sponsors of Honor Air hosted 133 participants for breakfast on the upcoming flight. The purpose of the breakfast was to cover the itinerary for the day in D.C. and assign each of us to a team for the trip. There would be four teams on the flight, and each team would consist of groups of four or more veterans. An escort was assigned to each group of four. I was on Team Red. The other three veterans in my group were members of my exercise class, and therefore, the Honor Air flight would allow me to get to know them better. I also knew Stephanie, our escort, because she is a member of our church and the daughter of one of the veterans in our group. I looked forward to the flight eagerly.
April 10 arrived, and I was up at 4:30 am and in the airport waiting area by 6:00 am. A smiling Eagle Scout welcomed me, introduced himself proudly, and escorted me into the terminal. The waiting area was alive, with veterans and their families exchanging greetings and posing for pictures. Local television and newspaper reporters scampered about gathering interviews with some older veterans for broadcast and publication later in the day. Two veterans had served in World War II, fifty (plus) in Korea; the remainder were from the Vietnam era or had served there. After everyone was accounted for and finished the breakfast the sponsors provided, we were hustled to the departure gate for boarding.
Eddie Maniss, Honor Air’s longtime sponsor and strong supporter, made some remarks. Knox County Mayor Glen Jacobs addressed the group and thanked them for their service. Mayor Jacobs joined us on our flight. We boarded quickly—the security check was not an issue.
Flights from Knoxville to Washington take one hour and one minute exactly, and we arrived on time. Once we arrived at the gate at Reagan National and began walking off the plane, a gentleman sitting among the passengers awaiting later flights recognized us as a group of military veterans and started clapping. Everyone in the terminal rose and clapped with him within seconds. It was a moving experience.
I boarded the Team Red bus and sat with Vern, my seatmate on the airplane. Our first stop was the Air Force Memorial, where we began a routine that was followed throughout the day. Air Force veterans stood in front of the Memorial Towers and the statues for pictures and to read the words inscribed there. Similar activity was repeated at the Marine Memorial and the World War II Memorial.
At the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, our veterans scattered about, joining other visitors searching for names of military personnel killed during the conflict. With the help of one of our escorts, I located the names of three servicemen who attended Bearden High School, my alma mater. I played basketball with Mike Dawson—a good guy. He was killed in action shortly before his scheduled departure from Vietnam. Bill Bishop was a neighbor and an outstanding athlete, playing baseball and basketball. Chip Pilkington, tall and handsome, was a few years older. He married a lovely girl in my class at Bearden. Seeing all three names was an emotional experience.
The Korean War Memorial featured statues of soldiers covered in ponchos and walking in a spread formation. One inscription quoted a War Veteran station as saying that the U.S. military had covered the entire country of Korea by foot. I went to the Memorial to read the names inscribed there and found the name I wanted. General Walton Walker commanded Korean War forces and was killed in action. His son, General Sam S. Walker, served as the Commander of the Third Infantry Division and, later, the U.S. Commander of Berlin. General Walker asked me to be his aide-de-camp in the Third Division and took Helen and me with him when he was appointed to the post in Berlin.
We attended the impressive Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Our veterans in wheelchairs were given a front-row seat and sat in rapt attention. The guards’ precision bore witness to many hours of practice and dedication.
All too soon, it was time to return to the airport for the flight back to Knoxville. My description of the day’s events doesn’t do justice to our time there. We were allowed to linger long at the Memorials and completely absorb their purpose, meaning, and historical significance. I tried to listen carefully to the conversations of veterans who had served in various conflicts better to understand their thoughts about the experience and their roles while serving in them. I learned a lot.
It was an exceptional day, but nothing prepared me for what awaited us at the airport. Walking from the arrival gate into the terminal area, HUNDREDS of friends and family members stood clapping and shouting thanks and greetings to every veteran coming into the terminal. The University of Tennessee Band played “Rocky Top” and lively arrangements of patriotic music off to one side. Flags, banners, and balloons were everywhere. I’ve stated repeatedly that the day was a moving experience, but nothing moved me like this.
I finally spotted Helen in the crowd, accompanied by a group of dear friends from our neighborhood. Dottie and Betsy were waving flags and smiling broadly. Jean and Pat offered a vigorous welcome to all. It was special. Little boys shook my hand, and girls in Girl Scout uniforms handed me Scout cookies as I walked by. Moms gave me balloons to take home…they are still there. As I walked from the airport, the band was still playing, and the hugs had not ceased. It was quite a day, indeed.
I came away from this trip with two thoughts. First, Honor Air is a remarkable organization. The sponsors—Prestige Cleaners, Covenant Health, American Airlines, and many others—deserve sincere appreciation for their support. The countless volunteers who give their time to ensure a smooth, worry-free, and memorable experience can’t be thanked enough. I owe you.
Second, as a veteran, I have been rewarded handsomely for my 24 years of service. In addition to a pension, Helen and I benefit greatly from the health care support we receive for life. Access to the outstanding campgrounds on military installations has enabled us to travel the country affordably. We have made lifetime friends everywhere we traveled and served. On the other hand, the servicemen and women who were called into service or volunteered and did everything asked of them to the best of their ability often came home without the thanks or recognition they deserved. This trip is a marvelous way of saying thanks. It was an honor to fly with every veteran on this day. Honor Air, I’m honored you asked.
This post was much longer than my usual 750 words, but I had a lot I wanted to share. I also took a lot of pictures. I have included more of them in the gallery below. I hope you enjoy them. Again, please click on any of them to enlarge.
What a moving experience! Thank you.
Chuck,
Honor Air gave a fabulous day in D.C.. So glad you stopped by! Have a great week! Joe
What a wonderful experience and tribute to our men and women who served our country!!! What an honor for you!!!thank you for your service!!!!
LuAnne,
Always great to hear from you.It was an Honor indeed! Joe
Joe, what an incredible opportunity and a well-deserved honor. I have seen news reports of these flights leaving West Palm, but I have never looked into the organization behind them until today. I read about how Honor Flights originated and was moved to tears. Thanks for inspiring me to read beyond your post.
The hero’s welcome you all received was as it should have been, all those years ago.
We can’t say it enough, “welcome home, and thank you for your service.”
Good afternoon, Suzanne,
Honor Air, Knoxville is well-run and does a tremendous job of making our veterans feel appreciated and expressing gratitude for their service. The entire day went by flawlessly and the welcome home was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. Thanks for checking in, it’s always great to hear from you. Joe
What a fabulous and well-deserved recognition for your service to our Country! The Honor flights are truly that. So glad you had perfect weather and a hero’s welcome home.
The pictures are stunning!
Carolyn,
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Army, but I was more fortunate than some. Honor Air does an incredible job of thanking the real heroes. Great to hear from you, and travel safely.
Joe
Good morning Joe and thank you for that outstanding post on your Honor Air flight! We have similar flights which leave from Greensboro, NC. I might try to go on one some day but I was previously stationed and lived in the DC area before and currently have a daughter and son who also live in the DC area. As a result, I’ve been fortunate to have seen all those memorials and, needless to say, they are all “memorable”! Glad you had a great time and safe trip! Anchors Away!
Regards,
Ron Ellis
CDR, MSC, U.S. Navy (Ret)
Clemmons, NC
Ron,
Thanks for stopping by! I’ve been to D.C. many times myself, but I’m so grateful that I made this trip. I enjoyed meeting some of the veterans from the community and sharing common experiences. There were many heroes on this flight, and it was an honor to be among them. Hope you take advantage of this opportunity. Great to hear from you, as always. Joe
What a wonderful post! I can only imagine how exciting this day was for you and your fellow Veterans! Thank you for your service!!
I read your posts regularly but don’t usually comment! Thank you for taking us along on your adventures!
Carolyn,
Thanks for checking in! I thoroughly enjoyed being with some wonderful men and women on this flight. We were treated to an awesome experience. Please come back! Joe
This post brought tears to my eyes as I read it. I have been to the memorials, but it gives me a new appreciation when I hear about it from a veteran’s perspective. I am so glad that Honor Air offers this opportunity – we do not do nearly enough to honor and take care of our veterans. Thank you for your service and thank you for sharing this amazing day with us.
Marian,
You are correct that our veterans deserve so much in gratitude for their service. Honor Air does an incredible job of letting veterans know how much they are appreciated. Glad you checked in, and thanks for the kind comments. Joe
Enjoyed your Honor flight pictures and comments. I have recently met a Red Bus Captain that is involved in our local Honor flights and once she knew I was a military retiree couldn’t stop talking about what a wonderful experience the DC trip would be and gave me all the details on how to sign up. Her comments along with yours has piqued my interest and will probably be signing up soon.
Mike,
I would strongly encourage you to take her up and put your name in the hat. I’m telling every veteran I know to do the same. The experience is unforgettable. Have a great week! Joe
Sounds like a wonderful experience. Our son is in the army reserves. Currently, he’s involved in ‘social media’ and being trained in all things photography/video. 😮
Ingrid,
Please encourage your son to stay in the reserves. It was the smartest thing I ever did (except marrying Helen), and we have benefited greatly. Loved your latest post–don’t know if I would be up at 5:30, though LOL. Please stay in touch! Joe
Congratulations on a wonderful and meaningful trip to absorb the honor you all deserve, Joe! Great pics of the festivities and joyous expressions on people’s faces. Thank you for your service. I know the military has treated well with their retirement amenities on your travels. Xoxo
Hi, Teri,
Thanks for the very nice comments. My time in the service was very rewarding and I have benefited greatly. Nevertheless, I was one of the fortunate ones. Some had it much harder. They’re the real heroes, and Honor Air is one way of saying thank you. Have a great week, and please stay in touch! Joe
I’m so happy you got to go on that flight! I am the chair of the Service to Veterans committee and we always have several members at every welcome home celebration. I hope you received one of the thank you cards we handed out on April 10th from the General William Lenoir Chapter. We sure do love and respect our Vets. Thank you!
Carol,
Many,many thanks for your support of our very deserving veterans. I received a lot of cards and read them all. I will check to see if I received one from your chapter. The trip was so amazing, I’m still not over the excitement. Thanks again, and have a great week! Joe
I failed to say the chapter I’m speaking of is part of the Daughters of the American Revolution. We appreciate your service!
Joe, like Marian said, your post brought tears to my eyes. In a day when there is no shortage of news stories full of anger and violence, it’s so very heartwarming to hear of events like this. A big round of applause for Honor Air and the veterans it serves and celebrates! We toured many of the memorials some years back when we visited our son who was down in Virginia participating in a work-related training program. Every memorial was impressive in its own special way. May I ask – which ones were particularly striking to you?
Good morning, Mary,
Thanks for the nice comments. The experience was unforgettable. I’ve always thought the Marine Memorial was very inspiring, especially after reading and studying the battle of Iwo Jima. Those men were so brave and strong. Vietnam was my generations war, and I lost friends there. The Vietnam Memorial has real meaning to me and I got emotional standing there and watching other veterans search for names. It is a simple, but very powerful memorial. Have a great week. It’s always great hearing from you. Joe
Hey Joe,
Outstanding article as usual. Your pics did a great job of covering all military veterans generations. Thanks for your service.
Mike,
Thanks for checking in. You should go on an Honor Air flight if you haven’t done so. I would be happy to send you the contact information. Have a great week! Joe
What an inspiring experience. How wonderful to honor those who served our country. My brother was killed in Vietnam in 1969. He was 21yo. I’ve never been to the memorial but my sister had gone and got the tracing. Thanks again for an interesting and moving post.
Christina,
So sorry about your brother. That robbed too much of the youth in our country. I hope you get to the Memorial at some point, and the Memorial is a tribute to those brave men. I hope you can visit it at some point. Have a wonderful week. Joe
Joe, What an incredible opportunity and an amazing day full of emotional experiences for you. I’ve been to the memorials you mentioned and found the Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Memorials quite moving. Thank you for sharing your special day and photos. Have a great week!
Hi, Natalie,
Good morning and thanks for interrupting your blogging break to check in. I got very emotional at the Vietnam Memorial. I saw names of my friends on the wall and watched as others searched for friends and loved ones. Nevertheless, the trip was well organized, and the return to Knoxville was something I’ll never forget. Hope you’re doing something fun and will share it when you return to your blog. Joe
Hi, Joe – I echo the comments above. What an incredible experience…and a very well-deserved honour. To top off this remarkabale day, your post and photos are very well done and are exceptionally moving!
Good morning, Donna,
Our trip to Washington, D.C. was a tremendous opportunity experience, and I was honored to share it with a group of real heroes. Great to have you back in the blogosphere, and I hope you have a restful and wonderful week. Joe
Joe, I teared up several times reading your post and seeing your photos. What an incredible experience it must have been for you to visit the memorials in the company of other veterans. We visited DC a few years ago and spent hours at the memorials. I felt humbled to be there, surrounded by the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. My uncle fought at Iwo Jima (and survived), my dad was in the Naval Reserves during the Korean War (I remember being terrified that he would be called up), and I knew many who served during the Vietnam War, and some who didn’t come home, or came home with physical and emotional trauma that changed the course of their lives. No matter what my political views might have been on a particular war, I’ve always believed our veterans deserve our highest respect and whatever support they might need in returning to civilian life.
This was a beautiful, heartfelt post. Thank you for sharing your experience, and as so many others have said, thank you for your service.
Good morning, Laurel,
Thanks for expressing your thoughts and feelings so eloquently. I was very blessed to have the opportunity to share this trip with some real heroes. I served, and was one of the more fortunate, but I am in awe of those who endured the hardship of war. Honor Air is a tremendous way of saying thank you to them. I’m also grateful that you said it to me. Please stay in touch. Joe