by Earl Morse

This is Incredible. When we consider all the families of these veterans who have been touched, the œpassers-bys at the airports who happened to be there on arrival or departure, the communities that rally behind these trips, the other tourists at the memorials fortunate enough to encounter these heroes, and the countless other witnesses to our efforts, that total number far exceeds what any of us can imagine.

The incredible number of people who were deeply moved by our program is exceeded only by the countless hours of selfless service provided by our volunteers and supporters. These accomplishments in 2009 and the previous years are the result of exhaustive work; untold late-night hours, time away from family and friends, pressure-cooker scenarios that played out all year, the list is endless. The Honor Flight Network IS our volunteers and supporters. You all have made and continue to make this dream a reality. Even though it was a total team effort and everyone stepped up to help, there are some that were involved in EVERY flight, every day of the week, all year long.

Senators Dole and their support staff where down there at the WWII Memorial for just about EVERY trip.  When you consider 278 separate groups coming out to DC, that’™s amazing.  People 1/4 the age of Senator Bob Dole couldn’™t keep such a schedule.  He is an iconic figure and we all know why.  What an incredible man!  Whenever possible or during Senator Bob Dole’™s absence, Senator Elizabeth Dole was there with a warm greeting and hugs.  She is the epitome of graciousness.  What a wonderful, caring woman.  Their support staff also worked thousands of hours for the cause of our veterans and our network.

Judy Lemmons has been the glue behind a nationwide flow of our nation’™s most senior veterans from all over the country.  Again, 278 flights and every one of them was on her radar screen.  She constantly encourages, coordinates, promotes, and devotes thousands of hours — but physically she isn’™t there.  We all know what a powerful charge we get by having the privilege of œbeing there with these incredible men and women.  We are often swept away by the emotions of the events we help orchestrate because we are part of these events.  She sits out in Utah but her heart is on EVERY flight, with every group.  Meeting countless administrative demands, while critical to our operations, is not very fulfilling.  Her repeated requests for hub assistance in meeting these logistical demands sometimes went ignored or worse.  I don’™t know how God ever fit a 10 ft™ tall heart into such a petite frame, but He did.  Amazing women.

The airport and memorial volunteers in DC.  While most hubs will launch 1-2 flights a month to once a year, these DC-area volunteers and their leaders are often greeting dozens of flights every week, several flights a day.  The drive, the parking hassles, long hours, running from one gate to another or just standing in one place all day takes a toll on people“ however, they too are fueled by a desire to recognize and appreciate those that saved the world.  It’™s amazing how many of the veterans comment that the welcoming at the airport was the highlight of the day’™s events.  Last week, one appreciative veteran called our offices to ask an odd question:  “Did you hire or recruit actors to greet us at the airport?”  He could not fathom that so many people poured out their sincere gratitude for what they have done.  It was foreign for him to think they (WWII Veterans) were so deeply admired and revered.  Without our DC-area volunteers, our program simply would not be as meaningful, rewarding or safe.

Stephen Brown is an incredible photographer and a selfless supporter of our efforts.  To capture the images of these veterans during one of the greatest moments of their lives takes a LOT of work.  He is constantly positioning himself, the veterans, the background, the dignitaries, the sunlight, etc. while lugging around all his equipment for one reason -“ to honor them.  He then makes his professional images available to the veterans and their families for free.  Thank you Stephen and your assistant for everything you have done over the years.  You have immortalized these incredible people and their memorial.

Ace from Arby’s, you are a hero to all of us.  Four years ago I told you we would need about 25 box lunches a month.  I bet there have been a lot of days since then when you wish you could go back to that time.  I don’t know how many times I’ve meet you at the WWII Memorial with a big smile on your face, delivering stacks of boxes to various buses, and then running back to pick up cases and cases of frozen bottled water.  This often took place AFTER you had already made similar deliveries to a local airport.  I’™ve caught you sleeping in your truck at the WWII Memorial, exhausted from working 24-36 hour straight for the benefit of our veterans, guardians and volunteers.  The dozens of other helpers that have worked with you throughout the night to make these great meals possible also need to be thanked.  Santa and his elves could take lessons from you and your dedicated crew.

A great visionary, friend and Co-Founder Jeff Miller continues to commit thousands of hours to making this dream a reality.  He IS the Honor Flight Network.  The Board of Directors, Regional Directors, office staff, and office volunteers all work together to propel and help sustain the network across the country.  In this economy, against overwhelming odds, we continue to grow and flourish.

There are countless other volunteers that have devoted time away from family, friends, hobbies and personal interests to a cause greater than themselves.  We’™ve all had great role models who have taught us the meaning of sacrifice for the greater good, patriotism, and devotion to our country.  I look forward to hanging out with these incredible role models at their long-awaited memorial again in 2010 and working with all of you.  Making what was thought to be impossible a reality for the greatest generation of men and women our country has ever known -“ THAT is what we do.

Happy Holidays to all of you.

Sincerely,
Earl Morse