WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The 34th Never Forgotten Honor Flight will leave the Central Wisconsin Airport Monday morning carrying over 100 Vietnam Veterans and a handful of Korean War and WWII Vets.
Jim Campbell, who’s been part of every NFHF so far, says the 34th mission represents a difference from the first flights which were mostly World War II Vets with a few Korea and Vietnam sprinkled in. As time goes on, he says making sure the WWII Veterans are remembered becomes even more important.
“Sixteen point one million men and women signed up during the 1940’s and served during WWII. Today, as we speak, only about three percent of that population left,” said Campbell.
Officially Monday’s flight will feature 102 Vietnam Veterans, two Korea Vets, and one WWII vet. With those totals, the NFHF will now have taken over 3,100 Veterans to Washington, DC to see the memorials created in their honor over the past eight years.
Campbell says the flights receive a heroes welcome twice, first when they land in Washington then upon their return to CWA. For many, it’s the first time that the public has recognized and congratulated them for their service.
In addition to that recognition, Campbell says the flights can be a step in the healing process for many who haven’t opened up about their service in years. “Even though they were decades apart, they feel comfortable to speak with other Veterans. It’s just a very comfortable atmosphere. They share a lot of stories, there’s a lot of laughing.”
Anyone who would like to be a part of Monday’s welcome home is encouraged to begin lining up at the Central Wisconsin Airport at 8 PM. Campbell says there will be a band and musical entertainment to fill the time until the plane lands, which is usually around 10 PM. Veterans will then be introduced one by one as they come off the flight.
Campbell says it’s important for Veterans to remember that the only qualification they must meet to be part of future flights is that they were on active duty anywhere in the world during the corresponding time periods for their conflict. Those dates and an application to be part of future flights are available at the NFHF website by clicking here.
