It was an extraordinary honor for Fieldstone A&E’s Chief Design Officer, Dan Langefels, to participate in Honor Flight of West Central Florida Mission 52 last month. It was a deeply moving journey that brings veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor. This reflection captures the unforgettable moments and lasting impressions from a day he spent walking alongside those who gave so much for our freedom.
HONOR, HUMILITY, DEDICATION, SELFLESSNESS, SERVICE and SACRIFICE
Taken separately, each of these words are very powerful, but collectively they only begin to describe the incredible people who serve and defend our country as members of the armed forces, each with their own unique story. I would encourage everyone to spend time talking with a veteran or someone on current active duty to get to know these extraordinary people. It was a privilege to spend a full day travelling with a group of Veterans to the war memorials in Washington D.C. The journey provided the opportunity to learn the human side of what it truly means to put your country before yourself. They are the embodiment of John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address in 1961 – “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”
A DAY FILLED WITH SURPRISES AND ROLLER-COASTER EMOTIONS
Our journey started very early at 0400 hours (that is 4:00 am for us sleepy civilians). We gathered at Clearwater airport, pre-flight, for a hot breakfast and some social time with the Veterans. We were wheels up at 0600 and arrived in Baltimore around 0800.
Much to our surprise and delight, our plane was given a Water Cannon salute by the Baltimore Fire Department. We then bused to Washington D.C. and toured the war memorials. You could feel the sadness and grief in the faces of the Veterans as they experienced painful memories. We laughed when we found the infamous “Kilroy Was Here” hiding in the WWII Memorial. At Arlington National Cemetery, it was overwhelming to see the incredible loss of life. The headstones seemingly stretched forever juxtaposed with beautiful landscapes and cherry blossoms. Witnessing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns (which is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in all types of weather), was a very solemn ceremony but also came with a great sense of pride in watching the dedication of the guards who are honored with the prestigious assignment. The retired four-star general and former secretary of defense, Lloyd Austin, showed his gratitude when he greeted our Veterans and thanked them for their service. The weather was beautiful as we walked past the Reflecting Pool and through the WWII, Korean, Viet Nam, and Lincoln memorials. The view of the Washington monument was prominent from every location we visited. We experienced the optical illusion of the Marines raising the American flag as we drove 360 degrees around the Iwo Jima monument. We also drove past the future “Desert Storm” memorial under construction.
MAIL CALL
During their service overseas, one of the few things the Veterans could look forward to with excitement was receiving mail from loved ones back home (long before the internet or cell phones). A surprise “mail call” was re-created onboard our flight home. Each Veteran was given a large envelope stuffed with cards, letters, and drawings from family, friends, and people they didn’t even know who wanted to express how grateful they were for the Veteran’s service. This was a happy memory for the Veterans and receiving mail brought a smile to their faces.
HERO’S WELCOME
The “return home” was FAR MORE than I expected. The off-the-charts outpouring of enthusiasm and gratitude from the HUNDREDS of people who assembled at the airport to CELEBRATE the Veterans home brought the battle-hardened men to tears. The Veterans walked through a reception line that stretched the entire length of the airport culminating at a festival-like party in the baggage claim area. All along the receiving line the Veterans were thanked, cheered, hugged, welcomed, and saluted. Chants of “USA!”, “USA!” filled the concourses. After a long, fast-paced day everyone’s emotions were in overdrive. Many of the Veterans on our Mission were from the Vietnam war. They were very young (18, 19) when they were drafted into service. They were disrespected and not treated well when they returned home from that conflict. For years, many of them hid the fact they were Vietnam Veterans from others to avoid harsh judgement. It was particularly satisfying and heartwarming to see those Veterans finally get honored in the way they should for their service and sacrifice for our country. Even though it was well past 2200 hours, the Veterans seemed energized by the reception and didn’t want to leave.
HONOR FLIGHT NETWORK
In addition to the Veterans, I am very grateful to the incredible volunteers that are part of the “Honor Flight” crew and network who work tirelessly to make these flights possible and orchestrate the welcome home celebrations. I am also thankful to my brother Dale Langefels who included me in this opportunity to join him as he flew his second mission as a Guardian. If you want to serve those who have served us by being a Guardian, or you know a Veteran who should be honored on one of these Missions, please contact one of the 128 hubs in 45 states that are part of the Honor Flight Network. Learn more here:
https://www.honorflight.org/hubs-listed-a-z/
Photos courtesy of: Participants of Honor Flight Mission 52, Honor Flight West Central Florida Hub, and Nunn Better Dogs Photography & Training
