Andrews members welcome WWII veterans to NCR

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andrew Polvino
  • Capital Flyer staff writer
ANDREWS AFB, Md. --  More than 170 World War II veterans were greeted at Baltimore-Washington International Airport April 22 by Airmen from Andrews and Bolling Air Force Bases.

The United Service Organization provided Airmen the opportunity to welcome veterans as they departed the aircraft at the airport.

"It was my honor and privilege to meet and greet them," said Maj. Gen. Ralph Jodice, Air Force District of Washington commander. "They are our nation's greatest generation and made extreme sacrifices. It was a thrill to be among true heroes."

The "Hoosier Flight," which the Airmen greeted at BWI, consisted of veterans from southern Indiana and Illinois.

"They're living history," said the general.

"Greeting the veterans reminded me that the armed forces have a long tradition of exceptional service and sacrifice for the freedoms and liberties of our country," said Chief Master Sgt. Paul Wheeler, AFDW command chief.

Top priority is given to America's most senior heroes, survivors of World War II and any veteran with a terminal illness who wishes to visit their respective memorial.

"These are veterans that are not normally able to do this," said Robert Lowe, Miami Air International station manager. "On average, 1,000 World War II veterans die each day."

The Honor Flight organization is a non-profit organization created to honor America's veterans for all their sacrifices. The Honor Flight organization flies veterans from across the United States to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at the war memorials.

The program will naturally transition to Korean War, Vietnam War and all other veterans who served, on a chronological basis.

"I think they [the veterans] were humbled by our meeting them," said General Jodice. "I think they too, were honored knowing our young Airmen would take the time to meet these great Americans. They understand what our troops are doing in today's war and it was important for all to meet [each other]."

The Hoosier Honor Flight was one of the first flights for this year and more are planned throughout the year.

"As these flights are published, we will work to try and have young Airmen there," said Chief Wheeler. "This way they get to meet history in person."

More information about the Honor Flight organization can be found at www.honorflight.org.