Our friend Rudy Blahnik is a long-time member of American Legion Post 41 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 473. Here is his report on the Honor Flight Of The Ozarks:
“I recently had the experience of being selected to go on the Honor Flight of the Ozarks. It was a long wait from the time I applied for the flight, but let me assure you, it was worth the wait.
I have never felt more honored, more appreciated or more recognized with genuine gratitude than has been shown me on this trip. Every detail was planned out in advance, there was nothing left to question.
As the group readied for departure from Springfield, we began with the presentation of a huge American Bald Eagle bowing to us in prayer. Then, as we headed for the gate, we were met with several Honor Guard Units beginning with the Jr. ROTC and a large group of well-wishers as a send-off party.
The flight to Washington DC was pleasant and the buses that met our flight were exclusively for the Veterans and Volunteer Staff. As the buses departed the airport, we had a full Police Escort to the Memorial Park and back to the airport at the end of the tour, including a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the changing of the Guard. WHAT A DAY!
To top it off, when we arrived back in Springfield we were met by a Welcome Home Event that literally brought me to tears. I can’t even tell you how many Honor Guard Units were there to meet us. I could barely see them and the warm crowd of people that were there to Welcome us Home because of the tears flowing down my face. I have never experienced anything like this. My heart bursts with pride. Thank You. If any Veteran out there desires to go on the Honor Flight, go for it! It will be the best day of your life.”
The website: honorflightofhteozarks.org.
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