Warren members honor veterans during Wyoming Honor Flight

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mike Tryon
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Last week, volunteers from the Mighty Ninety assisted about 100 veterans from Wyoming and Colorado during May's Honor Flight.

Honor Flight was initially created to give World War II veterans a chance to visit their memorials in Washington free of charge. Since then, the Honor Flight has expanded to include veterans of other foreign wars.

While funds are raised throughout the year to help pay for the trip, volunteers are needed to help facilitate the veterans while they are in Wyoming.

Air Force Global Strike Command's Mighty Ninety members volunteered for this flight were charged with aiding the veterans while in Cheyenne. Some of the volunteer responsibilities were to provide transportation, assist with baggage, aiding checking into and out of the hotel, and helping the veterans with boarding the plane.

The World War II and Korean War veterans arrived in Cheyenne May 16. The veterans left the Cheyenne Regional Airport for Washington the following day. Veterans were able to visit several memorials as well as the White House and the Capitol while in Washington.

"This flight was a very significant one," said Staff Sgt. John Karel, executive assistant to the 20th Air Force command chief and Honor Flight coordinator. "This was the first flight I was in charge of, and I wanted to do it right, because we owe it to them.

"Another thing making it so significant for me is the fact that so many World War II and Korean War veterans die every day," he added. "Unfortunately, as the months and years go by, we lose more and more of 'the greatest generation' until one day, there will be none left."

Sergeant Karel added that he enjoyed seeing the interaction between the servicemembers of different generations.

"It was a great experience for me, and I love talking to the veterans about their experiences both overseas and their life afterward," said Master Sgt. Orlo Bonner, 90th Civil Engineer Squadron Interior Electric shop NCO in charge. "I've volunteered for the past three trips and will continue to do so as long as I can. I feel so honored just to be in the presence of great men and women."

Col. Greg Tims, 90th Missile Wing commander; Col. Sean Boyle, 90th Mission Support Group commander; Col. Steve Miller, 90th Security Forces Group commander; Chief Master Sgt. Marty Anderson, 90th MW command chief; as well as spouses and volunteers welcomed home their retired service members May 18.

"It has been a humbling experience for me to have been a part of such a great cause," Sergeant Karel said.

The next Honor Flight is scheduled for September or October. To volunteer or for more information about Honor Flight, contact Sergeant Karel at 773-5355 or via e-mail at john.karel@warren.af.mil.