Michigan veterans will take Honor Flight to Washington, DC
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — On Saturday, more than 80 Michigan veterans will be headed out east for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Every year, Talons Out Honor Flight gives those who served an opportunity to fly to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to them.
Alvin Peterson and Richard Krosschell have two different stories but many similarities. Both served in the Vietnam War during their early 20s, both worked for Grand Rapids Public Schools once they returned and both have never been to Washington D.C.
However, come this Saturday, that will change.
“I am taking my daughter,” Peterson said.
“Our oldest son, from Indianapolis, is going to drive up tomorrow afternoon for the dinner Friday evening and go with me,” Krosschell said.
Both men will be riding along on the flight from Kalamazoo to Washington, D.C. The Honor Flight Network is a national program and includes independent hubs throughout the country, working together to accomplish the same mission: recognizing those who have served.
“To see the war memorials, the Korean War, the World War II Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial. That’s what I am looking forward to,” Krosschell said.
“You get to meet all these people from all these different services, and, I guess, it’s nice to just go see what they fought for,” Peterson said.
Krosschell and Peterson both say they are looking forward to Saturday’s trip. During a conversation with News 8, they explained how during the war, and for a long time after, it wasn’t uncommon for people back home to not show veterans support for their service.
“There was no really appreciation shown for veterans getting out,” Krosschell said. “Nothing of the sort. Here’s your discharge papers. You’re on your own. … The opportunity for this Honor Flight, 50 years later, is very much appreciated.”
“Like me, they got off the plane, or you got off the bus, maybe there was somebody there to see you got off the plane, maybe you got off the plane and nobody was there. You just went home,” Peterson said.
Organizers are making sure it’s different this time around. A reception will be held at Portage Center High School on Saturday night to welcome the veterans home.
Talons Out Honor Flight is completely funded by donations. You can donate or sign up to volunteer through the organization’s website.
NOTE: A previous version of this story misstated the number of veterans taking part in the Honor Flight. We regret the error.
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