Embarking on an Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C., tends to be a memorable experience for most veterans.
However, what a group of 100 veterans received on May 2 on an Honor Flight San Diego trip was truly overwhelming.
More than 11,000 letters from well-wishers – potentially an Honor Flight record – came pouring in to stunned veterans as they flew from San Diego to D.C. to visit the nation’s most prestigious monuments, along with Arlington National Cemetery.
Honor Flight San Diego, a non-profit organization, takes veterans from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War on a one-day whirlwind they’ll likely never forget. But this flight proved extra special.
During mail call, which dates back to World War I with soldiers receiving precious correspondence from back home, boosting their morale, veterans on the Honor Flight were given stacks of 120 envelopes stuffed with letters from caring people across the nation.
The notes of gratitude from many people they didn’t even know left the veterans overcome with emotion.
Vietnam veteran Rick Harby, who served in the Navy for 20 years, was pleasantly taken aback by all the letters.
“This is more mail than I ever got because we didn’t get mail,” Harby told KGTV in San Diego.
For Robert Pitchford, a Navy veteran, the letters brought back fond memories of receiving mail from his wife during his tour of Vietnam.
“I was very excited just to find out what was going on at home, how she was doing, and how my oldest daughter was doing, and everything,” Pitchford said. “It just felt good to know that you had somebody at home that was caring for you.”
Family and Friends Share Feelings
Letters from strangers is one thing, but then came another surprise – letters from family and friends.
Cue the tissues.
Navy veteran Richard Fisher, who also served in Vietnam, was especially moved by the kind words of his son.
“I’m so inspired by a letter from my son, just the memories and tears in my eyes,” Fisher said.
Navy veteran Larry Brenner received a surprisingly touching letter from a close friend of more than three decades.
“’Looking back at our 30 years of friendship, Larry, I see the same selfless devotion in every area of your life.’ This is a total blindside. I had no idea,” Brenner said, reading the letter aloud.
It was emotional too for sons and daughters, taking the trip as guardians, to hear their parents read the letters.
“It’s very emotional,” Diana Dorsha said, holding back tears.
April Edwards Dorsha, Diana’s daughter, said the letters allowed loved ones to express their true feelings to her mom.
“I feel like it’s a great way to remind her how courageous and how wonderful she truly is,” Edwards Dorsha said.
Michelle Bass said seeing her father, John Billups’s reaction, was a moment she intends to cherish.
“Just seeing his response, it melts me,” Bass said. “My dad is my hero.”
While most of the veterans on the Honor Flight have not served in decades, the notes are a reminder that their sacrifice and dedication to the country are not lost in time.
Honor Flight San Diego’s next trip is scheduled for September. Those interested in writing letters to veterans can reach out to Donna Hester at [email protected].
Information on donating to Honor Flight San Diego can be found on the organization’s website.
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