Dee Pakulski has taken to running the Northwest Ohio branch of Honor Flight like she’s been doing Public Relations work all her life. She and her Honor Flight Program have been written up six or seven times in the Toledo papers, she’s been on TV and has been speaking at dinners to raise money for her April 30th flight to the World War II Memorial.

“Pakulski, whose father served as a medic in the Pacific during World War II, said she’s had the “œhonor and privilege” of serving as a guardian for several World War II veterans on Honor Flight Michigan trips last May and September. Seeing the memorial through the vets’ perspective and hearing their stories, she said, was an emotional experience she’ll always treasure.”

“The stories of the vets are amazing,” she said. “œFor some of them, it’s the first time they’ve opened up in 60-plus years and told of their experiences during that time of their lives. And they’re walking around with maybe 30 to 35 other guys that went through the same experience with them.” (Toledo Free Press)

She says: “I am incredibly excited about our Honor Flight Northwest Ohio Team and am looking forward to working with everyone in hopes of getting all the vets in our area to D.C. for the trip of a lifetime. There are no words to describe the pride I feel in having the privilege to be a part of this terrific organization.”

And while Dee (like everyone who works with Honor Flight) likes to stay “in the background”, l think our heroes should get some recognition. Thank you Dee!!!

Honor Flight is featured in Jewel of the Mall: World War II Memorial book.