Tnl-News.com - Veterans enjoy trip of lifetime aboard Honor Flight CAK

Photo By Kimberly Lewis"God Bless you, vets" was one of several signs welcoming the veterans home from Akron-Cantonn Honor Flight. The program provides World War II and disabled veterans with a free flight and tour of Washington, D.C., and its monuments.

Photo By Kimberly LewisWith a cowboy hat identifying him as a World War II veteran, Dick Robinson of Minerva was greeted by flag-waving family, friends, veterans and citizens as he arrived home from Washington, D.C.

Photo By Kimberly LewisDressed in a patriotic shirt and his Navy hat, Minerva resident Dick Walker arrives home May 30 from Washington, D.C., to welcome-home signs at the Akron-Canton Airport.

Photo By Kimberly LewisDanny Bitzel of Malvern says his trip to Washington, D.C., aboard the Honor Flight, was both wonderful and tiring.

Photo By Kimberly LewisDonald Morehead of Alliance, formerly of Minerva, enjoyed his trip to Washington, D.C., aboard the Honor Flight.

Photo By Kimberly LewisDuane Rieman of Louisville, formerly of Malvern, also flew to Washington, D.C., aboard the May 30 Honor Flight CAK. A guardian pushes him through the flag-waving crowd after he returns home.

By KIMBERLY LEWIS

News Leader Editor

Some gave all, all gave some.

It is still dark when they arrive at the Akron-Canton Airport. They get checked in and wait for their flight, sharing their experiences and memories with those who, like them, defended our nation against tyranny.

More than 100 veterans, mostly World War II, are excited despite the early hour. While it is Memorial Day (May 30), they are not preparing for Memorial Day ceremonies where people remember and honor those who have served.

They are preparing to fly. They are among the select few chosen to fly to Washington, D.C., on an Honor Flight CAK. This time, US Airways is providing their ride. Each veteran receives an Honor Flight cap and T-shirt.

On board are the veterans, 10 of whom are 90 years old or older, and their guardians, volunteers who provide assistance to the veterans during the trip. Army, Army Air Corps, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and WAVE servicemen and women sit side by side as they begin a great adventure. Thirty of the veterans are in wheelchairs.

Aboard are Richard Walker and Dick Robinson of Minerva, Danny Bitzel of Malvern and Duane Rieman of Louisville, formerly of Malvern. A Navy veteran who served in both World War II and Korea, Donald Morehead, of Alliance, formerly of Minerva, is also aboard. Also joining them are veterans from Amsterdam, East Canton, Hanoverton and many other communities.

Upon arriving at Reagan International Airport, the plane and its passengers receive a water salute by the airport fire department. The veterans visited the Vietnam Memorial, the Korean Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, the Iwo Jima Memorial and FDR Memorial. The veterans also got to meet former senator Bob Dole at the World War II Memorial.

"It was tiring," admitted Bitzel. "But I would do it again."

Walker did not change his T-shirt like his comrades. He proudly chose to wear a patriotic red T-shirt and his own Navy hat.

For Robinson, it was a chance to catch up with family. He met the wife and son of his late brother at the World War II Memorial. "They were surprised at how big the memorial was," he said.

Too soon, the veterans flew home. Upon arrival, they were greeted by a congressman and received "discharges" for successfully completing the Honor Flight. As they disembarked, the veterans were greeted by applause, cheering, flag-waving and signs from friends, family, strangers and fellow veterans. Those participating included Rolling Thunder Ohio Chapter 2, Veterans of Foreign War Post 3124 Massillon; Legion Riders from Kent; Paladin Knights, Airport VFW Post 8975 and Cuyahoga Falls VFW Post 1062.

As each veteran made his way through the crowd, he was thanked, welcomed and honored.

For Robinson, it was emotional. "I left alone. I came home alone. There was no ticker-tape parade," Robinson said of his experiences 60 years ago. "This meant a lot."

According to the Honor Flight CAK Web site, Honor Flight CAK, a nonprofit organization to honor America's veterans for their sacrifices, transports the veterans to Washington, D.C., by a charter flight from the Akron Canton Airport for the veterans to visit and reflect on their memorials. Top priority is given to the World War II survivors, along with those other veterans who may be terminally ill.

The local organization has more than 500 World War II veterans waiting to make the journey. Another flight is planned for the fall. Honor Flight CAK serves the following counties: Allen, Ashland, Carroll, Columbiana, Fairfield, Fulton, Guernsey, Harrison, Homes, Jefferson, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas and Wayne.

Volunteers are needed to serve as guardians, as well as to assist in other ways. Although the veterans fly free, guardians are required to pay $350 for their flight.

Honor Flight CAK continues to raise funds to pay for the veterans' flights. Donations may be made to Honor Flight CAK, 567 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Akron, OH 44319. All donations are tax deductible. For more information, please see www.honorflightcak.org.