Honor Flight: Warren respects past heroes, flies to World War II memorial Published June 7, 2010 By Master Sgt. Dennis Hayes 90th Operations Support Squadron F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Fifty-five Warren volunteers assisted the Wyoming Honor Flight from May 17 to 20. Volunteers assisted World War II veterans making the all-expense-paid trip to see their World War II memorial. The volunteers welcomed the veterans to the Days Inn of Cheyenne and helped with luggage and provided a steady hand. While helping, the Airmen talked with veterans and were offered first hand stories of heroism. I visited with a Navy survivor from battles off of Guadalcanal, a member of the 14th Air Force who flew a B-24 Liberator for Chennault after the Flying Tigers, and a first-year Air Force member who worked on every jet from the World War II to Vietnam era. There were many more people and stories just as interesting and varied. The day of the Wyoming Honor Flight departure, the veterans joined their guardian, who would help them during the entire trip. The veterans were given a warm send off by distinguished guests including Cheyenne Mayor Richard Kaysen and the Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal. At the Air National Guard aerial port, the Airmen helped the veterans off of the bus and to the security screening area. After the security clearance, each veteran was personally escorted to the plane and cheered on by a cordon of troops. After take-off, the Honor Flight participants had mail call at 35,000 feet where they were given personal letters from family and friends supporting them on their trip. Upon landing, the veterans were greeted by more Honor Flight organization supporters and taken to their hotel for the evening. At a dinner banquet, the veterans met with other veterans to reestablish old contacts. At the World War II memorial, the veterans soaked in the tribute to their dedication and sacrifice. Later, there was a wreath and flag placed at the Wyoming pillar at the memorial to remember their fallen comrades during the war. Each veteran then had an opportunity to meet and be thanked by Wyoming's Congressional delegates Representative Cynthia Lummis, Senator John Barrasso and Senator Mike Enzi. It is amazing to watch a child in grade school tell a World War II veteran "thank you" for being a hero and join their grandfathers at the monument to have a quiet reflection in front of the specific battle listed in marble. The man-made monument will last far longer than the physical bodies of our World War II heroes, but the valor and sacrifice of these men will last far longer in the hearts of man. Following was the Lincoln Memorial where the tour participants visited the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials where they remembered their fallen friends and family. The next stop was the Navy Memorial via a bus tour of Washington D.C. that included the U.S. Capital and White House. The majority of the veterans on this trip were former Navy and were given plenty of time to see the Navy Memorial. Lastly, the veterans were taken to the Iwo Jima Memorial where their group picture was taken. After a late take off from Dulles International Airport, the veterans were finally headed home. Although no one had more than a few hours of sleep, no one slept on the return flight. Conversations continued all the way back to Cheyenne. The World War II veterans were not told about what to expect at the Cheyenne Regional Airport, and said they were very moved by the welcome they received. Veterans were assisted down the boarding stairs by a crew of Warren Airmen supervised by Staff Sgt. John Karel, 90th Civil Engineer Squadron. Upon entering the terminal, a building full of cheering, local supporters greeted the Honor Flight members. It was nearly 1:30 a.m. before everyone was in bed for the day. The next morning, the USAF Welcoming Committee arrived at 6 a.m. to assist veterans to breakfast. The goal of the Honor Flight is to make the trip completely safe and enjoyable to the World War II veterans. The average age of the veterans on this trip was 88 with many older than 90. It was an amazing opportunity to assist the World War II veterans during their trip. The next Honor Flight from Wyoming will be from Casper on September 21 and will return September 22. Thus far, Warren Airmen have supported all four Wyoming Honor Flight trips including the September 2009 trip from Casper. If you would like to donate money for the next trip, call Master Sgt. Dennis Hayes at 773-2929 or e-mail dennis.hayes@warren.af.mil.