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Vietnam veteran from Clarendon Hills says Honor Flight was a memory of a lifetime

Bob McDonald is glad he listened to some friends and decided to participate in the Honor Flight Chicago program.

McDonald, of Clarendon Hills, left at 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 10 from Midway Airport on a chartered flight with 116 veterans and spent the day in Washington, D.C., visiting war memorials, before arriving back at Midway at 8:30 p.m.

Honor Flight Chicago’s mission is to honor, thank, and inspire by building awareness and appreciation of the debt of gratitude America owes its veterans for their service and sacrifice for the nation, according to information from the organization.

The trips for veterans to Washington D.C. is the centerpiece of the Honor Flight programming. The trip is provided at no cost to veterans and is intended as a heartfelt thank you for their service and sacrifice from a grateful nation, according to Honor Flight Chicago.

McDonald served in the Army from 1966 to 1968 and was in Vietnam from December 1966 to December 1967. He was a member of the Fifth Army First Infantry Division, First Engineers Battalion.

“I was stationed near the Cambodian border and my MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) was a combat engineer and a mine sweeper and demolitions expert,” McDonald said.  “In July 1967, I became the Jeep driver and ratio telephone operator for the company’s commanding officer.”

McDonald signed up for an Honor Flight out of Chicago and was accompanied by his eldest daughter, Tracy, on the trip.

“I had heard about it over the years, but did not think I warranted going until friends encouraged me to apply,” he said. “I never expected to feel as emotional as I did throughout the entire day. It was remarkable and a memory of a lifetime. I most enjoyed the people that I met throughout the day and listening to their stories and hearing their gratitude for my service.”

McDonald said going on the Honor Flight didn’t really bring back any memories of his time in the Army.

“Thats’ because the flight was so celebratory in nature,” he said.

As usually is the case for Honor Flights, McDonald and his family were overwhelmed with the greeting he and other returning veterans received when they got off the plane back at Midway Airport.

“The greeting at the airport was unbelievable,” McDonald said. “I couldn’t believe the number of people who assembled to welcome us home. For me personally, my family, former coworkers, dear friends from all parts of my life surprised me at the airport on our arrival.

“It was overwhelming, really. The band was playing, there were bagpipes, and uniformed service people, signage and balloons. It was something to witness for sure.”

McDonald’s daughter, Shannon, a Clarendon Hills resident who is active in the Chamber of Commerce, agreed with her father’s take on the reception received by veterans upon their return to Chicago.

“I had no idea what to expect as my dad was preparing for his Honor Flight,” she said. “We wrote letters and made signs, but on arriving at the airport, I was blown away. There were so many people there and with the bands, bagpipes, balloons, cheering, and tears it was an overwhelming and emotional experience.
“I am so glad that my dad had the opportunity to participate and grateful for the friends, family, and strangers who came to show their support and gratitude for his and all of the veterans’ service.”

Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.