Mid-Michigan Honor Flight was ‘best experience’ for veterans

WASHINGTON (WOOD) — During a recent trip with the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight, there were tears, laughs, pain and hurt amid healing, new friendships and a stronger bond between father and son.

The Honor Flight is a group that takes veterans to Washington, D.C. for free to visit memorials dedicated to honor their sacrifices. It’s a trip some weren’t sure about.

“They kept calling, and I finally gave in,” one veteran said.

Michigan veterans visit Washington, D.C. on Honor Flight

Others hoped this day would come.

“This is something I’ve been waiting for a while,” said James Vandyke, a Vietnam War veteran.

Many quickly realized the trip’s impact.

“This is the best experience of my life,” said Bernard Corney, a Korean War veteran.

“I’ll never forget this trip,” said Vandyke.

“This is nice, real nice,” said Robert Holt, a 106-year-old WWII veteran.

“Wonderful. Loving it,” Allen Wheeler, a Vietnam veteran said.

For some, getting to this moment wasn’t easy. Veterans were filled with pain as they walk through the Vietnam memorial in Washington.

“It’s terrible,” said veteran Richard Schmukal.

“What a shame,” another veteran said.

“For what? No victory. A lot of young men paying the ultimate price for a war no one understands, and then come back and get spit on,” said veteran Ron Hayward.

“Vietnam, we didn’t know anything about it or how to spell it, how to say it,” Schmukal said.

Through the frustration and hurt, these veterans are here for a specific reason.

“We found him and I salute him up there, good guy. He was only 21,” Schmukal said.

“A lot of friends here,” said Hayward.

“That’s him, found it,” veteran Allen Owens said.

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“Heartbreaking. Lost one of my friends, found his name,” said Wheeler.

“My best friend, that’s why I’m here. My best friend from Vietnam is on that wall,” Vandyke said.

It’s an image he can’t erase from his mind.

“When I saw him die in front of me , it’s still like that to this day,  I still have a hard time with it,” said Vandyke.

Finding his friend’s name on the wall brought a sense of comfort.

“I’m here. I finally made it. See the initials on that wall, then inscribe it. Wow, amazing feeling you get,” he said.

There was healing.

“Gives me a little bit of closure,” Wheeler said.

Throughout the trip, I see heroes among heroes — bonding, sharing stories, laughing, singing together.

And these Korea and Vietnam veterans are honored to be with World War II veteran Robert Holt, the first 106-year-old to make this trip with this group.

“I was taken back that he’s 106. My hero, you better believe it,” one veteran said.

Holt served in Germany. During his first mission, his truck hit a landmine and exploded. Holt was thrown from the truck but wasn’t injured.

“80 years ago, I would’ve never thought I would be doing all of this. I was in combat, everything, machines, guns, wrecks. I had it all in my combat days,” said Holt.

There was supposed to be another 106-year-old WWII veteran on this trip. Irene Hosking, a WWII-era nurse who served in Australia but didn’t feel up to the trip. The group carried a picture of her.

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There were three other women on the trip. Marine Corps Veteran Pat Sanderson is grateful to get the recognition now that women didn’t always get in the past.

“We weren’t recognized as much as the guys,” Sanderson said at the WWII Memorial.

Richard Corney was amazed by what happening during the trip.

“It really gave me an opportunity to really know my dad. He didn’t talk about the war, talk about his service,” he said.

Richard Corney learned more about his dad.

“I love you pops,” he said.

“I love you too, kid,” said Bernard Corney.

As the two-day trip to Baltimore and Washington came to an end, the 75 veterans had no idea what was waiting for them as they returned home.

Hundreds of people showed up at the Gerald Ford International Airport Wednesday night, holding signs and cheering for the veterans. There were plenty of laughs, tears and hugs.

“I can’t explain it. It was all surprising,” said Holt.

“This is the best thing that has ever happened to me, other than my family,” said Bernard Corney.

After the trip, a couple of volunteers with the Honor Flight went to visit 106-year-old Hosking. They said they took the Honor Flight to her, sharing photos and memories.

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