• Posted: November 11, 2024
• Community Support, Day Of Honor, Honor Flight Chicago, IBEWLocal134, Korean War Veterans, Military Families, Military Heroes, Supporting Veterans, Veterans Day, Vietnam War Veterans

Powering Chicago was honored to sponsor this year’s Honor Flight Chicago, a meaningful event that flies senior war veterans to Washington, D.C., for a day filled with reflection, camaraderie, and appreciation. Since its founding in 2008, Honor Flight Chicago has flown 11,089 veterans, including 6,355 from WWII, 2,255 from the Korean War, and 2,823 from the Vietnam War.

“Powering Chicago’s partnership and generosity provided a world-class experience to all involved with HFC119 in October. Fully funding this Day of Honor for eight Korean War and 107 Vietnam War veterans ensured that all 115 war heroes aboard received the gratitude, respect, and—significantly—the Welcome Home they have deserved for so long,” said Honor Flight Chicago Co-Director Doug Meffley. “Most importantly, the level of care that Powering Chicago’s Guardians gave to our veterans on flight day demonstrated just how invested the organization as a whole is in our mission. Their skill and background as veterans themselves elevated the experience for every senior hero on the trip. Dozens of IBEW Local 134 riders also made an impressive show of force by joining our Welcome Home flag line at Midway. We could not be more thrilled or thankful for this partnership with Powering Chicago.”

The 119th flight, which Powering Chicago proudly sponsored, carried 115 veteran heroes, including eight from the Korean War and 107 from the Vietnam War. Among the group was one female veteran, continuing the tradition of having at least one female service member on every flight this year. This flight also included five sets of brothers and several decorated servicemembers, with honors such as a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with valor, four Bronze Stars, five Purple Hearts, and five Army Air Medals.

The one-day, all-expense-paid trip began before sunrise, with veterans gathering at 3:30 AM at Midway International Airport. They were honored with a water cannon salute from the Chicago Fire Department and greeted by 128 sailors, a pipe and drum band, the Frankfort Brass Band, and thousands of family members and friends awaiting their return.

“From the cheering crowds, to the welcome home handshakes, to the full on parade when we got back to Chicago, every Veteran I saw had a full ear to ear smile across their faces. The joy they had their faces for their long awaited recognition was all the proof anyone needed to prove that the day was successful! I couldn’t help but smile along,” Powering Chicago member and Corporal USMC (2002-2010) Jon Tantiwongse said.

Throughout the 16-hour journey, these heroes visited the memorials built in their honor, sharing stories, memories, and camaraderie. From the moment they departed to the moment they returned home, they were celebrated with the gratitude and respect their service deserves.

“Honor Flight Chicago was an experience that impacted me deeply on a personal level. Being surrounded by the men and women of the military was incredibly moving,” said Elbert Walters III, Executive Director of Powering Chicago. “The Honor Flight Had such a profound effect on me because I feel a strong bond with the veterans—both for their willingness to serve and for their readiness to make the ultimate sacrifice.”

At Powering Chicago, we are honored to support initiatives like Honor Flight Chicago that recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans. Contributing to this meaningful experience has been a privilege, and we remain committed to giving back to those who served our country.