St. Louis Honor Flight takes veterans to Washington for recognition

Fox 2 now
By Nick Gladney, Laura Simon

ST. LOUIS – The 114th Greater St. Louis Honor Flight is departing Wednesday morning from St. Louis Lambert International Airport for Washington. The flight carries a group of veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War for a day of recognition at the nation’s capital.

The itinerary includes visits to the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam memorials, along with a stop at Arlington National Cemetery. For the veterans on the flight, the trip represents an opportunity for honor, gratitude and healing.

Among those onboard are veterans from the same PTSD support group and two married couples who both served during the Vietnam War. Korean War veterans are also among the remarkable passengers making the trip.

The flight also serves as a milestone celebration for World War II veteran amd Marine Bob Schultz, who is celebrating his 104th birthday onboard the flight. Supporters at the airport greeted him with songs and celebrations as the group prepared to board for the day-long trip.

“They tell me they got all kinds of surprises for my birthday and just my arrival here, it was a big surprise,” Schultz said. “They sang me happy birthday and all that stuff. I don’t know how they can top my arrival with any surprises they might have, but I’m ready for it.”

The veterans are scheduled to return home to St. Louis Wednesday night.