Veteran photos courtesy of
Jackson & Co.
The Old Glory Honor Flight organization is well known locally for 10 years of regular veteran flights to Washington D.C. Last year they announced their first trip outside of United States soil when 'Return to 'Nam” was scheduled for early 2019.
Active duty military serviceman or woman, living in Northeast Wisconsin, that served in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos or Thailand between February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975, as well as blue-water (served on ships off the coast) and brown-water (coastal and inland waters) Navy vets were eligible to apply. 53 applications were accepted and the two week return to Vietnam begins this Sunday, February 24th.
Why Return to Vietnam?
Old Glory Honor Flight cites timing and the need for closure as the inspiration for the special project. “Many in the community remember our Return to Pearl mission in 2012 to recognize the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor,” said Tony Van Kampen, board member of Old Glory Honor Flight. “In the years since, many vets have asked us if we would ever take a similar trip to Vietnam. With 2019 being our 10th year of operation, we felt the time was right.”
“Our Vietnam vets were treated poorly upon their return and many vets feel as if they endured the horrors of war for nothing,” said Old Glory Board member Scott Delsart. “This trip will give these vets an opportunity for some closure. Seeing firsthand how the Vietnamese people have recovered from the war, will undoubtedly induce some much-needed healing for themselves.”
Travel Overview
The two week Honor Flight runs from February 24th through March 9th, 2019
- Busses leave the Fox Valley for Chicago on February 24th
- Flight departs from O'Hare
- Flight lands into Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
- Areas visited: Saigon, Mekong Delta (My Tho), Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Perfume River, Citadel, Khe Sahn, and Hanoi
- In Country Flights Included: Saigon to Da Nang, Da Nang or Hue to Hanoi
- Return flight departs from Hanoi back to Chicago
- Busses return to the Fox Valley
