Honor Flight Chicago takes war veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice, April 8.

The command master chief from Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes flew on one of the honor flights as a service member escort for a World War II veteran who was on Iwo Jima when the historic flag was raised.

"It was awesome. It was an honor," said CMDCM (SW/AW) Jeffrey A. Kirby, command master chief for TSC Great Lakes.

Kirby was one of 90 escorts for the World War II veterans whose day began with a performance by a 40s-era band at their gate at Chicago Midway Airport. Once the World War II veterans arrived in Washington, D.C., they traveled first to the Iwo Jima and Air Force memorials before arriving at the World War II Memorial.
It was during these stops the veterans broke off into groups based off their similarities in service. This was something Kirby said he and his fellow escorts enjoyed.

"They would start forming little packs if they were the same rating they were linking up and telling their stories. We took a step back and just listened to them," he said.

Following the World War II Memorial visit, the veterans toured the Lincoln, Korean War and Vietnam War memorials. At each stop, the World War II veterans posed for photos - some of their own and many with other visitors to the memorials.

Because Kirby and his fellow escorts were in uniform, many of the picture requests were first brought to them.

"We would let them know that you're in the World War II memorial but these people that we're pushing in wheelchairs are World War II veterans that served over there. You should be taking a picture with them not us," Kirby said.

Once back at the airport in Washington, D.C., the veterans were again treated to a 40s-era performance that entertained them before the flight home.

The final part of the flight is one that draws the most memories of service for the veterans: mail call. It's also something Kirby said he wants his fellow Sailors to play a more active part. Each escort and family member is asked to write a letter to their veteran and it is delivered on the flight to their home airport.
Kirby said he is challenging the Sailors of TSC to take up this letter writing cause for one of the next six scheduled honor flights for 2015. He also encourages everyone to be part of the welcome home group that meets each Honor Flight at Midway Airport.

Once the plane lands, the veterans are met by more than 2,500 people. These include members of the local fire and police departments, veterans, families as well as Sailors from TSC and various commands.

"Everybody that goes down says I don't do it justice talking about it," Kirby said. "I think it's something everybody should experience."

This long day, which for some began as early as 3 a.m., ends when the veterans are reunited with their family members. But, this day lives long in the memories of everyone who participated.

To date, there have been 62 flights operated by Honor Flight Chicago for more than 5,100 World War II veterans. There are six more honor flights scheduled for 2015. To find out more information, or to volunteer with the organization, go to www.honorflightchicago.org.

For more news from Training Support Center, Great Lakes, visit www.navy.mil/.