Honor Flight Chicago brings ‘flightless flight’ experience to veterans at Cantigny Park

abc7Chicago
By Karen Jordan

WHEATON, Ill. (WLS) — For some veterans, traveling to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials honoring their service is no longer possible. Honor Flight Chicago is bringing that experience to them instead.

Nearly 40 veterans gathered Wednesday at Cantigny Park in Wheaton as part of “Operation Eagles Landing,” an event designed to recognize veterans with what Honor Flight Chicago calls a “flightless flight.”

“A number of these veterans we’ve come to realize over the years are either too ill to travel or they have other reasons where spending a full day in Washington just doesn’t work for them,” said Doug Meffley, co-director of Honor Flight Chicago.

Among those honored was Fred Schulz, a 98-year-old World War II veteran who served in the Marines.

“I dont regret ever serving ’cause it regimented my life to where i got a good job,” Schulz said.

His granddaughter, Daniela Schulz, said hearing his stories about his military service inspired her own service in the National Guard.

“He’s always loved to tell us stories about it and it’s always great to hear. It’s really inspiring,” she said.