Honor Flight open house recognizes vets

Program founded in Springfield shows appreciation to WWII vets for their service to U.S.

WWII veterans Gailard Ketcham, left, and Bill Reed wear their old uniforms as they reminisce Sunday, Nov. 22, at the annual Honor Flight Reception at the Clark County Fairgrounds. In the background, the honor guard from the Air National Guard’s 178th Fighter Wing are preparing to present the colors at the beginning of the ceremony. Staff photo by Bill Lackey

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Photos: Honor Flight reception

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By Samantha Sommer, Staff Writer Updated 8:38 AM Monday, November 23, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — Robert King landed on Omaha Beach during the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II.

He’s glad the U.S. finally built a memorial in Washington, D.C., to honor those who served in World War II, and that he got a chance to see it in August, thanks to Honor Flight.

“It was a long time coming. ... Because of the veterans, you’re able to be free,” the 87-year-old Spring Valley resident said.

He joined more than 800 people, including World War II veterans and their family members, at Honor Flight’s second annual open house and reception on Sunday, Nov. 22, at the Champions Center, at the Clark County Fairgrounds.

The organization, founded in Springfield, provides trips to World War II veterans to see their memorial in Washington, D.C. It started in 2005 with 137 veterans, mostly from the Miami Valley region, said Al Bailey, regional director. Honor Flight has since grown, taking about 18,000 veterans from across the country this year to Washington.

The event Sunday included a ceremony performed by members of the Springfield Air National Guard Base to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action.

The open house also serves as a reunion for veterans, said David Bauer, ground coordinator for Honor Flight and director of Flags of Our Heros, which takes photos of flags and pictures of deceased veterans at the war memorial.

“They reminisce, that’s what it’s all about,” Bauer said.

It’s important to honor WW II veterans, Bauer said, adding that many of the aging vets are dying each day. “So time’s not on our side,” he said.

King said his trip was great.

“They treat you like royalty, and they make sure you really enjoy yourself,” he said.

Theodore Jackson of Yellow Springs also took an Honor Flight this year.

“I was very thankful,” said Jackson, who served in England and the Philippines. “I felt grateful for the trip and honored.”

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I was a member of the 19th Repair Group, which formed at Patterson Field, and we served in Africa, Italy and France. (I was born and raised in South Charleston, and now live in Twinsburg, a suburb of Cleveland.) I signed up for Honor Flight and went to Washington D.C. with a group from here. It was a great trip, and I really appreciate the generosity of those who sponsored it. Hooray for the people in Springfield, who originated the program!!

Ed Barmann
9:53 AM, 11/23/2009

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