Letter from Sheila Scarlett

My Uncle Buster James Sullivan went on the last flight, I was there to greet him back...awesome is the best way to describe the event!!!
Cathy Pelletier

I was privileged and blessed to be one of the 100 World War II Veterans who flew on your Volusia Honor Air Flight No.8 on September 24, 2011. My son, Russell, accompanied me on this Flight as Guardian for me and Mr. Eric Olson. Having my son on this trip added to the memory of a trip I shall never forget.
We receive so much negative news today, I wish every American could experience the warmth, gratitude and patriotism which were demonstrated to every World War II Veteran from the morning we entered the Daytona Beach airport until the night we returned to the Daytona Beach airport. America is still the greatest country in the world.
I wish it were possible for me to elaborate on the many great surprises which awaited us on each leg of our trip; however, this would be unfair to future Volusia Honor Air Flights. I would prefer to let each World War II Veteran experience first hand the memorable and emotional events which we were privileged to experience on Flight No. 8.
I am sure I speak for all 100 World War II Veterans on this flight when I say THANK YOU tothe DeLand Rotary Clubs, the 83 Guardians and Medical Personnel, and each and every volunteer and organization who gave of their time to make this the trip of a lifetime for each of us. May God bless each and every one of you for your unselfish acts of kindness. To Dave I would like to say - "The Red Bus Is the Best Bus"!
On behalf of me and my son, Russell, we would like to quote the late Bob Hope - "THANKS FOR THE MEMORY".
Horace E. Crump

My flight on #8 was without a doubt one of the greatest experience of my life. The war itself for something else, but the great emotion from the trip, the fellow travelers, the children’s letters and the crowds were fabulous. Clark Slayman, Winter Park

I was humbled to be a Guardian on Flight #8. Although my two Veterans (my dad & one more) were exhausted by the time we received the Mail Call envelopes their hearts swelled with pride and joy when they saw who had sent them letters. They only opened a few and I suppose that was due to fatigue as well as the desire to open and read each one in the privacy of their own homes. I did inspire my Dad to open one that an old friend of mine sent - it was full of printed photos of World War II "Pin Up" girls....he laughed out loud and said "Now that's a Mail Call!".
You guys did an unbelievable job and coming from more than 25 years in Event Management myself, I understand the magnitude of the work and dedication it takes to make something like this happen. From the banner welcoming the Veterans at the airport to the presentation of the posters on our way out the door.....every detail was attended to with care and respect. The reception upon arrival of each flight was almost beyond words but I've managed to tell the story from check in to hotel drop off two times in the last 12 hours. I loved it and feel absolutely blessed to have been able to be a part of it (I know you must hear that from every Guardian...).
Thank you so much for all your efforts.
I remain a faithful proponent and honored alumnus of the Volusia Honor Air Flight campaign. Please let me know what I might possibly do in the Future to help the program flourish.
Susan Skeen House

I was one of the veterans on Flight 8. I want to thank you for one of the highlights of my life. It really was not until the next morning that I really became emotional about the experience. I expected it would be about what we visited, but it wass not. It was about the people! The respect and honor we were afforded from the time we were contacted first until we arrived back at Daytona Beach just was fantastick. Everyone involved, including the volunteers, the spectators, the service personnel,the officials and even the people along the bus route was unbeleivable. I especially want to thank Rick Overman for his leadership and concern.Thank you all again. Dick Carle. p.s. Please send acopy of this to Rick as I do not have his address.
Richard Carle

I work at the Daytona Airport for TSA and have to tell you that it is an absolute HONOR to have the fine WWII vets and their escorts come through on their way to Washington! I make it a point to ask as many as possible what branch of the service they were in and what they did. They have some wonderful stories!
Robert A. Dea

Thank you all involved with Volusia Honor Air, so very much for giving my dad, Eric and all the other Vets for the most momumental memories they've seen and will have for years to come. I have not seen my dad so talkitive in a long time and very appreciative for all that was given to them all. Gardians, well, to take the time and do what they did for the men and women, my hats off to all of them.
Thank you again for the memories of Sept 23, 2011.
Sincerely
Cheryl Olson 9/25/2011

Dear Mr. Gilreath and Board,

I wanted to thank you so much for letting me go on flight #7. It was an unbelievable day and one I will never forget. The stories I heard and the things I learned from these amazing people will be something that I will always carry with me and share with those that really don't know about WWII, our Country, and most importantly our veterans and their sacrifice. My dad and I were blessed to be the guardians of three men: Paul, Ed, and Ted. When first meeting each one of them, the conversation always turned to how young I was and why I was going to be accompanying them. It seemed crazy to them that a girl my age would be interested in WWII and a couple of "old guys" like them. But as I explained that I was studying this in school, and wanted to honor the men who gave so much for me, it became apparent that it meant a lot for them to hear that. They had no idea that I was learning about this in high school. They thought it had been forgotten. They thought THEY had been forgotten. I feel like it was huge to them that I would WANT to spend the day with them. It meant the world for them to know that a teenager had an interest in their lives. So thank you for letting me go and make this day special for them.

Before going, I thought my favorite thing would be seeing the memorials with them, through their eyes. But I think what made me very emotional was the reactions to these men. I would be pushing one of their wheelchairs, and as we walked by, school groups or tourists would stop talking and just look and admire them. I know those kids probably had no idea who these men were, but the respect that was shown was overwhelming for me. To see random people walk up to them and thank them for serving was such a great sight to see.

Being able to go on this trip has allowed me to gain a small insight into these men's lives and the sacrifices they made. When relating my experiences to my peers, it sparked a fire in their hearts as well. They wanted to meet these Veterans and were extremely jealous that I got to spend a whole day with these wonderful heroes. My pictures allowed my friends to imagine these men 70 years ago in the war, and put a face with what we have been studying. It takes on a whole new meaning when you have met, talked to, and spent time with a person who endured and survived the very thing you have been trying to imagine and understand. I think it is so important for kids in my generation to study this monumental war but also to hear about it first hand from the ones who fought in it. History books give a lot of information, but sometimes they can never fully convey the importance and severity of the choices that were made. Being able to hear first hand from those that were there, I can understand the reasons for why decisions made in the war were so crucial to the future of our country's security and for the lives of those who served.

This experience has led me to find a strong passion in me to be involved with our veterans and give them the recognition they deserve. With college on the horizon, I am very interested in studying military history and VA law so that it will lead me to possible career paths involving our veterans and giving them the help and support they deserve. I look forward to continuing to be a guardian of future flights and I am willing to help in any way in order to allow more veterans to participate.

Gratefully,
Katee Gmitro

I am a veteran of WWII and participated in the Honor Air trip to Washington on 5/14/11. I was impressed and overwhelmed with the program and the personnel involved in this fantastic event. All your personnel that I was able to observe performed their assigned duties with a great attitude. My guardian, Marsha Moser, impressed me with dedication to duty and her happy attitude. I thank you and your group for giving me this tremendous experience.
Robert A McNeill

For the better part of the last 2 hours I have been trying to find words that would adequately express my complete admiration and thanks for being included in the May 14th flight to Washington, DC. Never have I seen better organization or more dedicated people than those who planned and carried out this trip. I was stunned at the greetings wherever we went, especially surprised at the group who met us at the DC airport. I possibly thought DC would be too busy for such an endeavor but I was certainly wrong. However, the astonishing group at Daytona when we arrived home, were mind-boggling in their enthusiasm and heartfelt welcome. So many people of all ages, plus the Honor Guard - it was a magnificent ending to the day that will never be forgotten. Your group deserves our undying gratitude for making this trip possible - your hard work is greatly appreciated. I did not hear one gripe or one word other than that the trip was every bit of what you wanted it to be. For me personally, it gave me the opportunity to visit all the memorials that I had all but given up hope of ever seeing. Without you, I would have missed an opportunity of a lifetime. Your group has done a great service to all us WWII vets.
Maurice R Blake

How can one person ever thank you enough for honoring these men and the sacrifices they and their families have made to purchase the freedom of this nation with own blood. On behalf of my Dad (WWII - USN) I thank you!
Blair Stephenson, USAF

Thank you for the nostalgic WW II trip. Every one was great. It is nice to know that American's still care...
Charles A. Black

I wanted to thank you profoundly for allowing me to serve as a guardian Sat. My Dad (Skip Beck) was deeply moved. He told me he was speechless, after reading some of the letters. He got very confused and kept telling me he wasn't a hero-all he was trying to do was save himself and his fellow crewman. I told him I thought that most people who serve ultimately do it for just that reason-so they and buddies can come home. Very powerful stuff. One of my bailiffs Andy Welter told me this morning that the welcome home was more moving and heartfelt than when he got home in '46. Other than the fact my Dad saw my Mom 1st thing off the train in '44 he felt the same as Andy- profoundly moved and moving to all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were at the airport to greet him. I have taken the liberty of forwarding this e-mail I received today-thought you guys would enjoy it, one old trooper to another.
Dave Beck

Below is an email Chuck Yeager sent to Skip Beck, one of the Flight 7 veterans. Skip was shot down over Belgium. He, along with another U.S. pilot, evaded capture for approximately 5 months, making his way south to the French Border, across France and over the Pyrenees into Spain with the help of the French Maquis (Underground).
That other U.S. pilot was Chuck Yeager.

Hi Skip:
Glad you're still kicking :-)
Hope you enjoy you're flight.
I'm still flying F-16s at Edwards AFB although I prefer the F-15Es.
My second wife got her license and now tells me how to fly :-)! I taught her formation flying and she's pretty good!
I was in Africa last fall flying with the South African Air Force and also doing some huntin' for meat. I shot 16 animals and my wife shot 4. The tribesmen couldn't believe it - my age 87 at the time and that I killed each animal with one shot each.
They also loved getting all the food.
This summer I'm scheduled to go fishing in Alaska 3-4 times for salmon and halibut.
We were in Spain last fall also and France where my plane was shot down. We saw the smoking hole. And I met again a few of the Maquis who saved my life - 93 years old!
Hope all is well -
Chuck

Thank you so very much for allowing me to be a part of Flight 7 an experence I shall never forget. My thoughts that day were of those who never returned. The real Heros. Somehow I feel they had a special viewing. Thanks to my guide, Col. James Pugh who made it a very special day for me and my fellow veteran Marcel. Thanks James. I would also like to thank the committee for doing an OUTSTANDING job.
Murray Palladino RM3rd

I just took this trip on 5/14 and I was awed by the way this was done.
Howard C Waddle

My 91 year old Uncle who is a WWII vet got to go on this trip. I think this is one of the most wonderful ideas to honor these vets in this way. God bless you!
John David Culpepper

I want to thank everyone for your kind letters. On our return flight from Washington DC, Mr Gilreath announced “Mail Call”. He gave us a large folder with literature, medals and best of all letters from all our family and friends, which was a beautiful moment of an unforgettable day.
The departure and arrivals at both Daytona Beach Airport and Reagan National Airport in Washington DC, the food, the tender care given to us by Mr. Gilreath, his staff and the guardians and my guardian Miss Lisa Stauffer was excellent.
Many thanks goes to the Rotary Club of Deland and the many other sponsors for making Volusia Air Flight #7 possible also, to our congressman, John Mica and congresswoman Sandy Adams for the luncheon at the Cannon Building of Congress and for spending all day with us. Every memorial, we visited we said a prayer and not enough can be said for them at rest or the wounded. They are the true heroes of World War II and all the wars.
Thank you,
I love you all,
DT3C Charles N. Centinaro US Navy 1945-1949

Thank you for allowing me to be a small part in honoring our World War II hero's. The trip was great and all the work that went into this day is greatly appreciated by me and all veterans of our armed forces. Again Thank you.
Richard Tolfa

My father, John J. Fedorovich passed away suddenly on March 12, 2011. He was a member of the May 9, 2009 Honor Air Flight and I also participated on that flight as a Guardian. Dad was a WWII vet and served as a member of the 5th Armored Division. He fought in the Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe Theatres and was awarded 5 Bronze Stars and the Good Conduct Medal. Our trip to Washington that day was as he described "the best day of my life". The comraderie of his fellow veterans that day was such a strong bond and was apparent to me to be a bond that could not be separated by time nor space. I will live the rest of my life recognizing the dedication of this generation to the principles set forth by the founders of our country and honor the courage with which they fought to make our lives better.
Nick Fedorovich

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to whomever made my once in a life time, never to be forgotten trip to Washington, D.C. possible. I have never been on any endeavor in my life time so well organized and managed as this trip. You (The Volusia Honor Air Committee) made it possible for this old man to experience the thanks and appreciation that has been absent for the last 65 years. In 1946, I was sent ashore in Portland, Oregon; traveled by cattle car to New York City; Bussed to Lido Beach on Long Island and was discharged with 50 cents travel allowance to New York City where I was inducted. I used my own money to reach home in New Jersey. When I tried to go back to work at G.E. the following Monday, The Company and the Electrical Workers of America were in the midst of a 6 month strike! This reception at the Daytona Airport had me in tears and it’s hard to express my gratitude to all that made this possible.
Thank you and my sponsor from the bottom of my heart!
Clifford S. Airey

Can"t express properly how much I enjoyed Flight 6 of the Volusia Honor Air Veterans trip to Washington. My guardian Martin Canncanoon was outstanding in the way he looked after and took care of me. He is a credit to your orginization and I shall remember this wonderful experience for the rest of my life
I was a Guardian on the recent flight and it was definitely an experience I will never forget. I wanted to make special mention to you though about what a great idea and experience for everyone; Vets and Guardians, it was to have "Mail Call." The Vet who sat next to me on the plane had difficulty seeing the writing on the letters so I read some to him and it was everything I could do to keep it together while I read them to him. It truly was a special time and I understand it took a tremendous effort to get them all together and packed up the way you did. Great job to you and whoever helped you!
Thank You for all you did and helping to make Flight 6 a terrific experience for us all.
Doug Golden

I just wanted to thank you and your committe on an outstanding job with the Honor Flight. My Dad will never forget the experience and all the warm welcome that the Vets received at the airports. I know what a huge undertaking it is to prepare for this trip. Your group did a fantastic job and send my thanks to everyone who worked on it.
J. Aparo

I wish to convey my sincere thanks and appreciation for all you do for the World War II Veterans. My father, Arthur DiJacklin, was a part of the 6th Honor Air Flight to Washington this past Saturday, September 25th and I had the privilege of accompanying him as his guardian.
My father had never been to Washington and he thoroughly enjoyed everything about the trip. He was overwhelmed by the greetings he received at the airports, enjoyed the entertainment and was awed by everything he saw in Washington. Like many of the other veterans, he is very proud and told us there was no way he would be using a wheelchair. But not wanting to miss anything, he agreed to a wheelchair at the Vietnam and Korean Memorials so that he would be able to see them both.
You thought of even the smallest details to make the trip memorable and your hard work is greatly appreciated. The best part of the trip for me was to see the happiness and pride in my father’s eyes. I will cherish that for the rest of my life and my father will cherish memories of his trip to Washington with Volusia Honor Air for the rest of his.
Thank you again and god bless you.
Marianne Lewis

Participated on Volusia Honor Air Flight 6 last Saturday, September 25th. This was my 5th flight, and the day could not have been more perfect! We took 104 WWII veterans to their memorial, in the city they fought so hard so save. And brought them all home, safe, sound, and without a scratch. Thank God for their safety! Thank you, our aging heroes, for our freedom!!
Bernadette Britz-Parker

I want to thank you and Especially Michael Hill for taking my 85 year old father for Flight #6. He was so honored. I am so glad Mr. Hill was there since I could not. He made the trip for dad very memorable. I can't say enough. A warm grateful salute. We all wiped a tear of remembrance and honor for those who serve and those who were lost. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. My father will never, ever forget this.
Chrys Weaver Milano

On Saturday, September 25, 2010, the Volusia Honor Air flew over 100 World War 2 veterans from the Daytona Beach Airport to Washington DC to view the World War 2 Memorial and other memorials in the city. This trip was sponsored and paid for by the business men and women of Volusia County, who devoted their time and money to say "Thank You" to the aging World War 2 veterans. The trip was completely FREE to the men and women veterans on this trip. The men and women veterans who went on this flight were from all the theaters of the war, who helped put an end to one of the most deviating periods in modern day history. Some took part in the D Day invasion of Normandy as well as the battles in the Pacific. I was honored to be selected as one of the veterans to go on this trip. Each veteran was assigned a chaperone to accompany them, usually one chaperone for each two veteran. When we departed Daytona Beach early Saturday morning, we were greeted at the airport by well wishers, fed a wonderful breakfast, given a honor salute by law enforcement officers as well as a water canon salute by the airport fire department as our plane was taxing out for takeoff. Upon arriving in Washington, we boarded 4 buses and given a police escort every where we went in Washington. After viewing the World War 2 Memorial, the veterans were treated to lunch at the Library of Congress, which was hosted by Congresswoman Susanne Kosmas and Congressman Mica. When we entered the terminal at Regan Airport in Washington for our trip home, we were again greeted by well wishers. At our departure gate, loud band music from the 40's played and the veterans were encouraged to jitter bug to the music by the well wishers. Many of them did, and I was one of them. Each chaperone assigned to a veterans, contacted a family member and suggested they write a short note of thanks to the veteran for their service. The note were collected and delivered to each of the veterans on their flight home. I received over 50 letters from my family as well as letters from school children, thanking me for my military service. Never in my entire life have I ever felt as honored and I owe it all to the men and women of the Volusia Honor Air. I proudly salute these people for a job well done.
Wm. J. Drewes

As one of the lucky ones to go on flight 6, it was one of the highlights of my life. You guys did an outstanding job. I and I am sure all participants really enjoyed it, and will never forget it. That mailcall on the way home really topped it off.THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
Ted Cary

I would like to thank everyone involved with this organization. My father just went on the trip Sept. 25th and said "It was the best thing that has ever happened to him" (besides getting married and having kids : )) It's a wonderful thing. Thank you again...
Sue Eresman
Rockaway, NJ

It is because of men and women like these that my generation was allowed to grow up fat and happy with nothing more important to complain about than the weather. Let everyone of them know that there is a Canadian up here who values their incredible bravery, their unflinching service and their love of country as much as any American.
And say - "thank you" for me.
George Luck
Lansdowne Ontario Canada

To the Volusia Honor Air organization - thank you for the wonderful trip to Washington, DC. I will cherish this trip the rest of my life. Again thank you and everyone that participating in making this possible for World War II veterans.
Adolph Lawrence

A big thank you to Volusia Honor Air for a wonderful trip to DC Organizers,guardians and all the people that had anything to do with the trip-Thank you! It was a fantastic day and I am very grateful to all involved. And those fantastic guardians--great folks. Linda Helm at the top of the heap! Thank you,Linda and husband Ron. You are special people. signed John and Dot
John Johnson

Thank you very much for the opportunity to be a guardian on flight 5. I am very honored to have been able to experience such a wonderful program for our WWII Veterans. I would do it again in a heartbeat! This will be something I will never forget. I feel that I have made some new friends for life.
Sandy Lingenfelter

Thank you all so much for such a wonderful trip honoring our Veterans. I was privileged to be a guardian on the May 8, 2010 flight, accompanying my Dad, Normand Gagnon, US Navy. He was thrilled to pieces and couldn't believe the respectful treatment he received throughout the day. It was certainly humbling for me, and neither of us will ever forget it. Kudos to all of you for your efforts - it was a spectacular day for all. My Dad hasn't stopped talking about it since he returned, and neither have I. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Louise Gagnon

Thank you for the wonderful job you are doing for our veterans. My dad is going to have the privilege of this coming flight on May 8th. What a wonderful experience this is for all our WWII veterans. God Bless you for the work you are doing for those that have served this nation of ours.
Betty Creese
Balsam Grove NC

Words can not begin to express how much I enjoyed my trip to DC with the 4th Honor Air group. My sincere thanks goes out to all the guardians, volunteers, sponors, contributers and especially the planners for a job well done. It was amazing how so many were moved around DC and able to see and do so much in one day.I was also amazed at the large welcoming crowds both at the airports in Dc and Daytona on our return.
Ernest Beasley Jr.
Pierson

I had the honor of being selected to fly to DCA Oct 3, 2009 and can't expess my gratitude enough to the people who contributed to the Volusia Honor Air for all they did to make this trip possible. So often you can tell the teen agers today just look on old WW II vets as being slow and getting in the way. I came across this letter I thought you might be interested in and it shows some people still care.

The Sack Lunches
I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought. Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. 'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me. 'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan. After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time.. As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base ' His friend agreed. I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.' Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?' 'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. 'This is your thanks..' After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.
Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, and said, 'I want to shake your hand.'
Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.
Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.
When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!
Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'
Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals.
It seemed so little...
A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'
That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.'
May God give you the strength and courage to pass this along to everyone on your email buddy list.
Bill Drewes
Port Orange, FL
October 05, 2009

A Saturday to remember:Of all the humbling moments of my life, the one that has been most overwhelming and pleasing was the Saturday adventure of being honored as a WWII veteran selected by Volusia Honor Air to travel to our nation's capital to see the WWII Memorial. I cannot begin to express my appreciation for the hundreds of countrymen and -women who saw us veterans, chaperones and sponsors off at the DAB airport and greeted us as we landed in Washington, D.C. Or for all those who donated their time and money to ensure we would have an everlasting memory of visiting the WWII, Korea, Vietnam memorials, Arlington, the Iwo Jima shrine and a drive-by of the major Capitol buildings and the White House, which are preserved for all of us in our beloved capital. How does one ever begin to thank the firefighters who gave us a water salute as our plane exited and landed, U.S. Rep. Susanne Kosmos and her staff who spent their entire day traveling with us on buses provided by unnamed sponsors, Major Gen. Barrell and Lt. Col. Campbell who addressed us at the Library of Congress, the Washington police who escorted our three buses to and from the memorials all day, sacrificing their time and pay for this service, the Arlington military guard for the special wreath ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier presented in our behalf? As we were leaving the Arlington cemetery, the Park Service permitted one of our veterans to visit his brother's grave. Our three buses and police escorts parked on the roadside nearby as the veteran was escorted to the grave site. We watched as he embraced his brother's tombstone. There were tears in his eyes. I'm sure there were many watery eyes in the buses that moment, including mine. I was privileged to travel with two Pearl Harbor survivors, a long-interred ex-prisoner of war veteran and many genuine honored heroes whose service is unknown to me. They were all there, soldiers, sailors, Marines and Army Air Force veterans, men and women. Most of all, I extend my gratitude and that of all Americans to the 400,000-plus who gave their lives for their country and who are immortalized by a gold star on the wall on the memorial (each star representing 100 killed in action). God bless them all and the hundreds of people who greeted and saluted us as we arrived and sadly said goodbye as we departed. Saturday. Oct. 3, 2009, is a day I and 104 veterans shall not forget.
Ralph Hunnefeld (U.S. Navy, RM 3fC)
Ormond Beach, FL
October 11, 2009

My personal thanks to Volusia Honor Air, for realizing the dreams of my father Kenneth Halpin. October 3, 2009 will for ever live vividly in my dad's memory. Thanks for making this flight to Washington,DC and memorial visits possible. I know a powerful healing has taken place replacing the agony and ravages of his WWII experience, with the recognition and validation of a service done well. God Bless your mission and all of the men and women who helped make his dream come true.
Kerry Crandall
DeLand, FL
October 06, 2009

Thank you for the opportunity to make the Flight for Veterans to Washington Saturday, October 3, 2009. The experience caused me to reflect on the capability and effort of the volunteers involved in the logistics and support of the operation. I am most impressed by the people who came to the airports to say "Thank You" and to the volunteer guardians who helped us old men. My reaction to the Korean and Iwo Jima monuments is "They wuz us!" The character of the people involved in the operation restores my faith in the future of the United States. As an aside, I remember watching Civil War veterans in blue uniforms marching in a parade on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, about 1926. I wonder if we made a similar impression Saturday.
Jerome Meyer
DeLand, FL
October 06, 2009

What a wonderful slide-show!! And so much other information. My Dad, Elmer Eugene "Gene" Slayton, who will be 92 in November and wears a pace-maker, made the trip to Washington, D. C. yesterday (10-03-09) and is in some of the "next flight" pictures. Thank you so much for this wonderful site. Great job!! And great honor for our wonderful vets!
Sandra Smith
DeLand, FL
October 04, 2009

It was unbelievable to me the number of people, unknown to us, that showed up at the Daytona and Washington, D.C. airports to greet us. It was very emotional. For me, the visit to the World War II memorial was a dream come true.
Edward J. Gariano
DeLand, FL

From the check-in procedure, the full course breakfast, the honor guard salute as we boarded the plane, the water cannon salute and the tremendous reception with Congressman Mica in Washington to the final arrival back in Daytona Beach every minute of the day was orchestrated to make our day unforgettable. The Guardians did a yeoman's job. They seemed to thoroughly enjoy their assignment although I am sure that after keeping up with three old men all day, home was a welcome sight Saturday night!
Richard O. Heard
DeLand, FL

It was a privilege to be part of such a wonderful group of veterans and guardians who continue to give so generously to those of us who remain of the WWII heroes. They helped maintain the freedoms we all enjoy many even gave their lives. As a 90 year old, legally blind veteran it blessed us beyond any happening in our remaining dreams of what we still stand for. We are Proud to be Americans. God Bless Us One and All.
Frank Parsons
DeLand, FL

September 27, 2008 will be a day I shall always remember and I'm so grateful to have been chosen to be a part of it. The music and the greeting crowd at both airports brought flashbacks to the day in December 1945 when my ship, the U.S.S. Bullard, arrived in San Francisco after the war. Seeing the memorials with all the other veterans was a very moving experience as well. Again, my sincere thanks to all who made this trip possible.
Adolph Jay Koury
Apopka, FL

Thanks again for the opportunity you have given us World War II Veterans to visit the Memorials in Washington. Keep up the good work and God Bless you for remembering what Tom Brokaw names us The Greatest Generation.
John D. Sabatka
Port Orange, FL

Thanks a million for the trip to Washington. The tour was well done and I enjoyed it very much. I am an 86 year old who served in the 1st Division in Belgium and Germany. I was wounded in Nov 1945 across the Rhine River in Germany. My right arm is partly paralyzed, so I had to learn to write with my left hand. Thanks again.
Dan Kilpatrick
DeLand, FL

If not for this, I would never have seen the memorials in our capital. Thank you for all the effort, and I hope this opportunity is available to other veterans in the future.
Jack Hill
DeLand, FL

All thanks to you who urged me to go. I've since met a lot of veterans who wished they had known about it and so many who are interested in hearing all about my sojourn.
Gordon Carter
Lake Helen, FL

Thanks for the great day you all provided me and others that were not so fortunate to get a heroes welcome home on our late return from different parts of the world. I had been involved in the magic carpet runs so I never got back from Asia until it was very late and very quiet. You people are amazing and from my heart, I thank you.
Frank Formichella
Kissimmee, FL

In my 24 years of US Naval Service, I never experienced, or felt, the respect and admiration of so many complete strangers, all united in a Thank You. Their applause, cheers, handshakes and smiling faces combined to touch me emotionally, and was a day that I will always remember. God Bless You All for Your Patriotism.
Paul S. Polgar
Commander, USN (Retired)

May 9th, 2009 was one of the most memorable days of my life. Visitors at the memorials were very impressed and interested, asking us many questions. Even the children were eager to hear of our experiences and seemed genuinely interested in what we had to say. This is a day I shall always remember and want to give the Rotarians my sincere thanks for giving me this opportunity.
Richard H. Coombs
U.S. Navy Veteran
Port Orange, FL

If the Honor Air crew had been in charge of WWII, we could have come home a lot sooner! Before I tear up here, I have to tell you that in all my years of service, and all my returns home, I have never been in a parade, nor has any group given me a welcome such as this! I was in combat in three different wars, but this was the first really organized effort I had encountered to say thank you for your service.
Phil McSpadden
Past Commander
517th Airborne
The Villages, FL

I just spent one of the finest days of my life. & I don't know who thought of such a trip, but they should receive commendation medals. The Volusia Honor Air Trip brought back all of those memories, and many tears. Your organization made a dream come true. You should really be proud of how you made a bunch of veterans feel. Thanks a Million!
Russell E. Macomber
USCG Senior Chief Petty Officer, Retired
Orange City, FL
Went on VHA2 in September, 2008
Died July 1, 2009

Serving our country was both an honor and a privilege, and to see the memorial is a trip I will never forget. Thanks to each of you.
James Houck
Eustis, Florida

This is to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your people handled the trip for us old folks in a very organized and helpful way. You will always be in my memory for having provided this opportunity for us veterans, who otherwise, would never have seen these places honoring those that were left behind.
Rhea L. Adams
USMCR Retired
Orange City, FL

I lost my father in 1992. Every time I hear or read something about the WWII Memorial, it brings tears to my eyes because I would have loved to have taken him to see it. He was so proud of his service during the War. Please accept this donation and give the veterans a hug!
Sandra Moore
Holly Hill, FL
Daughter of William Gerard Magness

I have never been to D.C.; had the best time of my life. I appreciate all done for me. God Bless All!
Wayne Holby
DeLand, FL

Yesterday's adventure to D.C. brought special memories. Thanks for giving so much joy!
Juanita Semsky
US Marine Corps
Feb 1943-Nov 1945
Deland, FL

It was the most honorable time I have had in my 83 years of life (THE BEST). We all were treated honorably and shall live with that memory for the rest of our lives. Again, many, many thanks.
Gabriel Gabe Maioli
Port Orange, FL

Please let me thank you for a most memorable day on the trip to Washington to see the WWII memorial. It is a day I shall never forget, and the thought that keeps going through my mind is isnt it a shame that every person doesn't have at least one day in their life like this. I feel so fortunate to have been included in this event. My thanks to all. I shall always remember that day!
Frank Johnson
DeLand, FL

It was an honor to have our representative John Mica ride on our bus and point out the various buildings. Also, to be honored by Senator Bob Dole and his wife with their presence. Again, thank you for the honor!
James F. Brussow
WWII and Korea
U.S. Marine Corps
DeBary, FL

To all Volusia Honor Air leaders, volunteers, sponsors and supporters GREAT! GREAT! GREAT! Yes, what a great memorial, honor, gift and experience you gave me on September 27th. This was the highlight of recognition of my military service and to the millions who served in WWII. Thank you, so very much.
Fred Hering
USMC 1943-1947
Port Orange, FL

The trip to Washington DC was one of the highlights of my life. The highlight was meeting Senator Dole as we both served in the 10th Mountain Division in Italy. Senator Dole came through my aid station when he was wounded. To have a conversation with him, after all these years was quite emotional. Thank you for this experience. The concept of Honor Air is a wonderful one and you are to be congratulated for your endeavors.
William W. Schildecker, M.D.
DeLand, FL