Grand Gesture By Simko Sisters Helps Honor Flight Take Off
BY AMY MANLEY — MIRROR REPORTER
“Honor thy father” is a phrase often heard but rarely seen to the extent of the grand gesture made by Susan Enck and Judie Simko when sponsoring an entire Honor Flight on August 25.
The sisters regret that their father was unable to see his war memorial before his death. That regret, coupled with a desire to honor him and his service to the country, made Honor Flight the perfect charity to offer a bequest in his memory.
While neither had prior experience with the organization – which offers veterans free flights to visit war memorials in Washington, D.C. – both sisters and Susan’s husband Jim acted as guardians for the August 25 flight.
Susan and Jim’s son Sean listed a link to news stories about the event on his Facebook page August 25 noting, “This is my grandfather, the greatest man I have ever known.”
Sean lives in his grandfather’s house and while unable to attend as a guardian, was an enthusiastic contributor during the homecoming festivities following the return flight.
Strong family ties were a prevailing theme for both the August 25 flight and the July 21 flight.
While it isn’t unusual for family members to accompany veterans, another milestone was achieved during the July 21 flight when the first husband-and-wife team, Edwin and Nona Rodgers, traveled together on Honor Flight.
Numerous other examples of loving families were evident at both flights with sons, daughters and grandchildren acting as guardians and large groups of family members waiting to greet veterans at the hangar in Toledo.
Some veterans were fortunate enough to have family that met them at the memorials to accompany them on their memorable journey.
Still others were blessed with honors from “chosen family” – people who may not be blood relatives but yet make time for one another to be the family they need each other to be.
Longtime neighbors and work friends from long ago were able to reconnect and partake in the unforgettable experience together.
Regardless of family ties, all were honored with the reverence and heartfelt thanks that they richly deserved. A generosity of spirit prevailed as daily duties were put aside, and the legacy of our Greatest Generation lived on as families stood together to recognize the heroes who fought for the liberties we have today.
Both the July and August flights took 24 veterans to Washington. Guardians, who pay their own expenses of approximately of $400, accompany the veterans to assist with wheelchairs, oxygen and other special needs.
As always, veterans were greeted by the smiling faces of Grand Aire employees and Honor Flight volunteers upon arriving. In the Grand Aire hangar, festive signs celebrating the vets and patriotic décor continue to be the theme.
Vets received packages with nametags, lanyards, T-shirts, hats, cameras, tissues and other goodies for their trip.
A color guard respectfully displayed the flag until all passengers boarded and the plane prepared for take-off. Fire engines flanked the runway, spraying a water arch for the plane to exit through while bystanders waved goodbye.
In Washington, participants visited the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Marine Corps Memorial, the Women’s Memorial and the Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns.
After a full day, the flights returned home to the official Honor Flight of Northwest Ohio Band, the Genoa American Legion Band, playing patriotic tunes including a sound-off to each military branch and the national anthem.
Closing ceremonies include a mail call callout of each veteran’s name for a final care package. A new highlight at the August flight was the presentation of a lap quilt to each veteran from Quilts of Valor.
Honor Flight of Northwest Ohio is funded by donations from individuals, social clubs, veterans’ groups and businesses in the area. All donations are tax-deductible.
Veterans who wish to make the trip to Washington, D.C., complete applications and are placed on the program’s waiting list, which takes individuals on a first-come, first-served basis. Honor Flight of Northwest Ohio hopes to complete the 2010 season with an October flight.
For more information visit www.honorflightnwo.org or call (419) 410-7729.