Let's Go with Catie Keogh and Chicago Honor Flight

"Thank You" is a phrase we use almost every day, but when it comes to older military veterans, sometimes that appreciation goes unnoticed. I recently had an experience as a guardian with Honor Flight Chicago. They honor heroic individuals with their flights to Washington, D.C. This summer, they called us to be on flight 109 and I was to accompany my father as his guardian. My Dad, Bill Keogh, is a Vietnam Veteran and I am his proud daughter. To say this experience was an opportunity of a lifetime is an understatement.

Honor Flight Chicago has a simple mission, to call attention to Veterans while at the same time thanking them in a meaningful way. Honor Flight Chicago does this by chartering flights from Chicago Midway to Washington, D.C., and flying veterans to our nation's capital to celebrate them with a day of honor, support, and gratitude.

These flights are free of charge for the veterans involved, and Honor Flight Chicago makes it easy to apply for a future flight for veterans on their website. When I received the notice that my Dad and I would be on the Honor flight together, it brought tears to my eyes. 

My dad did not receive a warm welcome when he returned home from Vietnam. We never really talked about it as a family. It was something we all filed away and rarely discussed. We had an American flag proudly flying in the front of our house my whole life. My father is a proud American, and he raised us to love and serve our country. The Chicago Honor Flight was the first time my dad was given a welcome home in the way he deserved all those years ago." Welcome home, soldier" was something we heard throughout the day as active and veteran soldiers saluted my dad. We watched children run up to the veterans with homemade signs thanking and welcoming them. Hundreds of people greeted us at Dulles and Midway airports with American flags and signs thanking the veterans for their service. It will be a memory that my dad and I will cherish and remember forever. It was a special day, and on July 12th, 2023, my dad and his fellow veterans had a welcome home full of honor, respect, and gratitude.

Our flight departed Chicago Midway, heading towards Washington, D.C., via Dulles Airport. It was the organization's 109th flight overall. Since their inception, they have flown over ten thousand veterans. Our Honor Flight had 111 veterans, consisting of (1) WWII, (8) Korean War, and (102) Vietnam War heroes.

When we arrived in Washington, D.C., the group was taken by police escort to the war memorials, allowing the Veterans to honor fallen soldiers and be honored by families, honor flight supporters, and local children visiting the area. Everywhere we visited in Washington DC, there were signs and people supporting the veterans.

Honor Flight Chicago is so special for veterans and their guardians. The organization also has an educational component called Operation Education that teaches students and youth what it means to be in service.

If you can be a part of Honor Flight Chicago, please consider volunteering, donating, or joining the local chapter. Being a part of this organization allows you to meet real-life heroes in person. I promise that the gift you provide will give you more in return than you can imagine. I'm thankful for all the men and women who fought for our country and sacrificed their lives for us. It was an honor and privilege to shake their hands and thank them in person. Thank you, Honor Flight Chicago, for a memory we will value and cherish forever. To my Dad and all the other 110 Veterans on flight 109 that day, welcome home, soldiers, and thank you for your service.

For more information on our journey on Flight 109 or the Honor Flight Chicago mission, visit honorflightchicago.org. Check out my Instagram page @CatieKeogh to see my highlights with my dad and our Honor Flight experience.