Ozark Honor Flight
Paul Marchi and I wish to thank all those who were instrumental in the creation, organization and management of the Ozarks Honor Flight on April 13th. We were privileged to be on that Flight to Washington D C and to visit the WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery during the changing of the guard, Marine Corp Memorial( the 60 foot sculpture of the raising of the American Flag on mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima), Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and other notable historical sites. I cannot say enough in gratitude to the hundreds of people involved in making the trip all that it can be. The contingent of volunteers at the Springfield airport fed us donuts and coffee etc. and guided us through all the preflight and boarding necessities. I especially salute Mick Dunn who was my GUARDIAN and helpful companion throughout the day. When we arrived at Dulles airport there was a group of volunteers to assist and guide us to restrooms and to our busses. They were necessarily very well organized because they had to guide 76 old-timers, some in their 90's, some in wheelchairs. When we arrived at Dulles for our return flight another group of volunteers was on hand to get us through their very strict clearances. When we returned to Springfield we thought we would just get to our vehicles and go home. What a surprise. A huge group of people were there at 11 PM to welcome us home. It was truly inspiring to know that so many people (many from Post 639) took the time to welcome a bunch of old veterans. I stand in awe and gratitude. The history of the Honor Flight both National and State is a separate story and should be told more widely. The Honor Flights across the nation are financed through donations and are possible only through the volunteerism of hundreds.
Tom Mabrey
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