Midwest Honor Flight sends 3 Garretson Vets to D.C.

by Carrie & Garrick Moritz, Gazette

            We saved this story specifically for our July 4th issue because we felt it would be especially poignant for the holday. Three veterans from Garretson took an Honor Flight to our Nation’s Capitol. Rod Dubbelde, Lee Hanson, and Don Olson were all treated to this special honor, which has resumed after the pandemic halted flights.

            Midwest Honor Flight sends veterans from WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, and other conflicts to Washington, D.C. for a one-day tour. This tour is designed to showcase memorials and give veterans honor, closure, and respect for their sacrifices.

            "The Honor Flight trip was amazing. Seeing all the memorials was great," said Hanson.

            “The memorials were all very impressive,” said Olson. “The Lincoln, the Jefferson, the FDR and WWII and Korean Memorials. The Vietnam Wall was probably the most emotional for me, to see all the names of the young men who died over there.

            “The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was a highlight of the trip for me. The uniforms of the soldiers were unbelievably sharp, their shoes polished mirror bright, not a thing out of place and as professional as is possible to be.”

            "It was great to see my father, Rodney, take it all in," said Tom Dubbelde. "I know it meant a lot to him to have this opportunity."

            “It was all so much to see, and I was pooped by the end of it, but there was so much more to see, and we only had time to glance at a few things,” said Olson. “I could probably spend weeks or months in the Smithsonian. Everywhere we went, people cheered us and they made way for us. Really gave us the royal treatment. When we got home it was to a huge cheering crowd, like it was the greatest thing ever, and it was great especially the fellas who went to Vietnam because that hadn’t at all been what they were used to. If you have an opportunity to go on one of these flights, I strongly recommend you do so because it was incredibly worthwhile. I’d like to go back on a long trip, just to get a closer and longer look at many of the things I saw, and to see many of the things that we simply didn’t have time for.”

            "It was an honor to be with 84 vets and having our pictures taken at the memorial," said Hanson. "Thanks to Clair for being my guardian. Also, thanks to everyone who made this trip possible. The send-off at the airport and the homecoming at the convention center was something I won't forget."

Honor Flight Mission 10

by Tom Dubbelde

            On June 1, 2022 I had the privilege of being part of the Honor flight Mission 10. I went on this flight to accompany my father, Rodney Dubbelde. He is a Korean Conflict veteran. Let me tell you this was quite an interesting day.

            First off there were 84 veterans, 84 guardians, plus ground crews, flight crews and many more.

            We started out very early in the morning, 3:30 AM to be exact. We all gathered at the Sheraton Hotel. There we boarded shuttle buses which took us to the Sioux Falls airport.

            At the airport veterans and guardians alike were given breakfast. Next, we were moved to the upper level. Once there, all of us sang the National Anthem. It actually sounded pretty good. There were many people there to give us a send-off. It was great. The veterans received a lot of respect, which was wonderful. Once aboard the plane the fire crew sprayed water on us on the way out as a sign of respect. Very honorable indeed.

            The plane was very large to accommodate all the folks. I would give the plane and crew an A-plus rating. It was awesome. The flight was a little over 2 hours long. Once arriving we were given a heroes' welcome. No time was wasted though, as we set right out for our tour of Washington, D.C. Now it does take time to load, unload a crew this large. It all went fairly smooth.

            Also, it takes many people to accommodate this large crew. Once off the plane, back onto buses, first stop the Navy Memorial. At the memorial we looked things over. Then they lined up the veterans for a photo shoot.

            Back on the buses, off to the next memorial. This is basically how the entire day went, busing from site to site. I could go on forever talking about every memorial, they were awesome.

            The entire crew was amazing, they really took care of all the vets. There was plenty of food and water available. It was a warm day and we went through a record amount of water.

            I do want to point out a couple of highlights. At the National Mall, there are many things to see. Since we were with Korean vets the Korean Memorial was one thing we wanted to see. It was Awesome. Those statues were lifelike and no matter which way you looked, they were looking back. Also, they were set up so when the sun was in the correct spot they reflected on the wall.

            It happened to be the 100-year anniversary of the Lincoln Memorial. That entire building looked like it was well-built, standing tall. I would have liked to spend more time looking, but we had to keep moving.

            The Vietnam Memorial and wall seemed to go on forever, so many names.

            And of course the Washington Memorial, so tall, reaching up to the sky.

            The WWII Memorial is massive. Every state is represented. It too was a sight to behold.

            When we arrived at the Marines' Memorial, we were really set back at the size of it all. There, they were pushing up the American flag. We were speechless. We kept thinking about all the men and women who were lost at war. Freedom is not free. Those Marines raising that flag atop of Mount Suribachi during the battle of Iwo Jima, wow, quite a sight to behold. So many lives...

            I cannot explain why, but while looking at this memorial it really hit me. The sacrifice that all the soldiers made, unbelievable. Everyone should see this and understand the massive undertaking that took place.

            When we got to the Arlington Cemetery, it seemed to go on forever. Over 400,000 souls. Now that place really sobers a fella up. Then the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I have no words to explain this. Everyone needs to witness the changing of the guards. One word- respect! They have earned it.

            This is not all we saw that day; I could go on forever. It was an amazing day. It was great to see my father, Rodney, take it all in. I know it meant a lot to him to have this opportunity. It meant a lot to everyone.

            Back on buses, back to the airport, back home, loaded buses one more time. Then into the Arena for a heroes' welcome. We were in tears. Like I said before, freedom is not free. It is because of the brave men and women that came before us and are here now that make this country what it is today. We are proud to be Americans.

            It was great to have this opportunity to take it all in. Everyone was very grateful to have taken part in this Honor Flight. A special thank you for all who helped and donated to make this day possible.

            And God Bless America.