A veterans thoughts put on paper, his own personal view

about this great organization, and the fantastic work that they do.

 

Lake County Honor Flight deserves an enormous round of cheers

for the fantastic job they have been doing for veterans, for a number of years.

 

This is a special organization, that is so highly motivated,

run by a group of people, who are extremely dedicated.

 

They devote so much time and effort, to honor those of us who have served,

they should be honored themselves; it is so well deserved.

 

The extreme amount of effort, to meet every veteran’s needs

is displayed in their thorough planning, action, and their deeds.

 

Each veteran has a volunteer guardian, who is with them, every step of the way

who also deserve recognition, in the special role that they play.

 

We were subjected to their pampering, which initially was kind of annoying,

but thanks to these God-sent individuals, we adjusted and started enjoying.

 

To all of those guardians, who may have taken time away from a husband or wife,

please know how much you are appreciated, for help giving us the trip of our life.

 

All the people in this organization, when all is said and done,

certainly accomplished their mission, for all the veterans to relax and HAVE FUN!

 

To anyone who helped make this happen, in so many different ways,

our gratitude will be eternal, for giving us these special days.

 

From the drivers of the buses, and the pilots of our flight

to the hotel that housed us, where we would spend the night.

 

The terrific staff that catered to us, they were always there,

ready to provide you with a cool drink, or even a wheelchair.

 

And thanks to all the media crew, for all the pictures and video that they took,

allowing our many experiences, to be shared with many others, on Facebook.

 

To those who came to acknowledge us, you gave us such a feeling of pride;

know those acts of kindness, created such warm feelings, from way down deep inside.

 

All the effort by Law Enforcement was really over the top!

We were escorted while traveling in the bus, without ever making a stop.

 

Along with Fire and Rescue, they stopped traffic, cleared intersections, and closed a main road,

providing us with a non-stop safe escort, I can tell you, it was a sight to behold.

 

I am sure you could imagine our amazement, as we taxied down the airport runway:

fire trucks spraying water cannons over our flight, so much respect was on full display.

 

That coordination with Fire and Rescue, was executed with perfection;

they ensured all in the escort stayed together, even through every intersection.

 

To all who participated in our escorts, car clubs and motorcycle groups:

we appreciate the respect that was shown, thank you for honoring the troops.

 

The Police reception at the airport, was a memorable special touch;

my hope is that they realize, they too deserve it just as much.

 

So I feel we should honor Law Enforcement, Fire and Rescue too

for their dedication to serve and protect, for the vital role that they do.

 

The experiences that you gave us, to many to name them all -

the chance to stand and honor those with their names upon the Wall.

 

While I am recollecting, I just have to name a few more

because you provided us with an opportunity, many of us have never had before.

 

The Changing of the Guard, with the precision timing leaves you in disbelief

the solemn feeling that takes over, during the laying of the wreath.

 

We were taken to many places, from our itinerary and beyond; 

we were even able to visit the memorial at the Pentagon.

 

This extra stop was a bonus, so we all took it in stride.

Fortunately we got to see it, because it was on the outer one, of its two sides.

 

The driver of our bus, while from place to place we were running 

was a constant source of information; we even learned why D.C. has the world's best plumbing!

 

At the MLK Memorial, we were given a history of how the organization got its start

and if you were paying attention, it would have tugged at the strings of your heart.

 

If ever there was any question of its goals, and what they are all about,

having personally heard that story, would certainly leave you without any doubt.

 

Their dedication to all veterans is not just a trendy fashion:

they all put everything into it, and they do it with a passion.

 

The camaraderie among the veterans, and among the staff

stirred a lot of memories, and many good stories for a laugh.

 

We were assisted on and off the buses - caution is always a major thing -

and that assistance was provided, with warm smiles, and lots of bling.

 

On our last evening in Washington, we had a special mail call; 

for all those notes of gratitude, we want to thank you one and all.

 

I hope that within this writing, there is a message that you can detect

just how much this organization gives veterans - so much love, honor, and respect. 

 

So thank you from all the veterans, it really doesn't matter which branch,

for the experience you gave us, for this special chance.

 

We are humbled and left wondering if all the attention is deserved;

after all, it was an honor and a privilege, our country to have served.

 

I am sure that many of these thoughts are all shared by the others;

after all, we veterans are one big band of brothers.

 

If ever you need a reference, anytime, or anywhere,

just do a sound-off: I'm sure 25 grateful veterans and guardians from LCHF24, would be there!

 

So for every person's participation, no matter how big or how small:

may God grant his blessing to each of you, and to this organization most of all!

 

Ken Wilson

LCHF 24, Vietnam Veteran, U.S. Army