They call it a “trip of a lifetime” for good reason, and as a volunteer “guardian” it is 36 jam packed hours of time well spent. This April I had the honor of accompanying Honor Flight Austin and 48 U.S. Veterans on the  97th flight from Austin to Washington   D.C. This well-oiled non-profit host trips all year long and pairs Vets with honorary guardians (regular people like me) for the 2 day trip visiting each of the war memorials built in their honor. 

Their goal is simple, to transport America’s veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices. Top priority is given to America’s most senior heroes — survivors of World War II in the State of Texas and any veteran with a terminal illness who wishes to visit THEIR memorial. I was paired with a female veteran who served in the Air Force in Vietnam. I was nervous to take on the responsibility as her host and guardian, but she quickly put me at ease. In fact, Virginia was quite feisty and wouldn’t let me carry her bags (as I had been instructed). To be honest, she was in better shape than me and would out pace me on our walks around the Washington Monument. As we approached her memorial, the Vietnam wall spanned out before us and her pace slowed. We talked about those with whom she served and some whose names could be found there, etched in stone. She shared funny moments and some of the more difficult times too. I may have had to stare out the window of our chartered bus at times so she wouldn’t see my tears fall. 

November 11th is reserved for honoring all veterans and I hope this November you will look around for a veteran and find a way to engage with them. I am in awe of each of our service members, their patriotism, commitment to country and their many sacrifices for our gain. Each flight is a gift to each Veteran and is fully paid for by the organization.