As a military retiree and current “Red Crosser,” I would like to share my phenomenal experience as a participant of an Honor Flight. As we “Red Crossers” know there is a special kindred with the military and the battlefield as evidenced by both Henri Dunant and Clara Barton.  Swiss businessman, Henri Dunant who having observed neutral care of those wounded on the battlefield of Solferino, was involved in the creation of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies. And of course, Clara Barton’s involvement in the Civil War by assisting those wounded on the battlefield and providing supplies to military hospitals eventually was the founder of the American National Red Cross. Thus, it is my relationship to both the military and the Red Cross that I share this experience.

Honor Flight - Event #16 – 20-22 April 2023

Honor Flight network is a 501(c()3) non-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate America’s veterans by inviting them to share in a day of honor at our nation’s memorials. Its vision is to promote a nation where all of America’s veterans experience the honor, gratitude, and community of support they deserve. To date Honor Flights have been provided to veterans of WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam

Where do I begin? How do I begin? Should I be commenting as I do not quite feel deserving as my Vietnam compatriots who were actually “in country.” My participation in the Southern Colorado All Women’s Honor Flight was an experience of a lifetime. Though I was of the Vietnam era, I did not personally have “boots on the ground” or evacuation responsibilities of our wounded soldiers, nor did I experience the significant sadness of many upon their return to the US – many even having to take off their military uniforms prior to arriving stateside, this experience still brought many tears to my eyes.  Cannot even imagine what those who were physically “in theater” were feeling and experiencing. Many tears all around. I as a veteran salute all of you!

The Honor Flight that I was privileged to participate was an all-female flight that consisted of one WWII Navy veteran (100 years young), and Army and Air Force members. Career fields represented were missileers, logisticians, procurement, Russian interpreter, administrative, medics and nurses, many serving in country and included one Air Force nurse who was awarded Flight Nurse of the Year for 1973 for her service during 1971-1972. We all immediately bonded and became family.

During our Honor Flights, we received official escorting from individuals representing many retiree military organizations such as American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, boy scouts, disaster response non-profits such as Team Rubicon (comprised primarily of prior military), dedicated caring citizens, etc. to our departure and arrival gates from our initial departure at the Colorado Springs Airport, to transfers at Midway in Chicago to final destination at Dulles airport in DC with thank you shout outs, flags, children's "My Heroes” and ”Thank You for Your Service” posters from Southwest crew, handshakes from our pilots, ground crews, clapping and crying, We experienced the same type escorting and response upon our return landing at the Denver International Airport. On our last portion of our flight to Denver, everyone received a very large envelope, titled, “Mail Call” that contained cards of appreciation to the veteran. Cards were from boy scout troops, veterans, family and caring citizens from all over Colorado and even nationally. One veteran stated: It’s the best present I have ever received!”  Upon arrival at the Sierra High School in Colorado Springs, following a police escort, we again had a great welcoming and by an all-female Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team. An added special tribute was a grand welcoming from Lt General, DeAnna Burt, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, Cyber and Nuclear, United States Space Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, VA who presented each of us with an official Honors Flight plaque.

To ensure our story was told, we had representatives from TV station KOAA (Channel 5) and the Gazette who did many many interviews. Kudos to all them – job well done! The President of the Honor Flight of Southern Colorado, her staff, the Guardians (those to help some of our comrades when and if needed), medics, bus drivers, police escorts, Southwest Airlines, and all the volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure we received first class treatment in our “Welcome Home” that most never received "back then" I and my colleagues thank you.  Their dedication is remarkable!

So, what did this Honor Flight meant to us?  It enabled recognition that was so long overdue, to truly feel appreciated for their sacrifices and often horrendous experiences of war and to finally began a healing process that most had not acknowledged that they still needed, A watershed of tears was vividly visible - but they were tears of joy and healing,

I encourage those who read this article to spread the word to your fellow compatriots. If you are or know someone who was in either WWII or Vietnam era and served, you should contact https://www.honorflight.org/ to connect with your applicable state Honor Flight. Also, check out the Honor Flight of Southern Colorado – Flight #16 Facebook Page to access great pictures and videos of this phenomenal event. Based on my experience, this non-profit is a fantastic organization.

Also, a thank you goes out to all my local Society of Air Force Nurses (SAFN) friends who not only supported us with thank you cards but expressed sentiments that we all deserved this honor. You are awesome!

Patricia Chappell, Col (Ret), USAF, NC

Division Nurse Lead

Division Engagement Lead

South West and Rocky Mountain Division

American National Red Cross