Utica seniors become Honor Flight guardians thanks to local club
UTICA ― Russ Suskind of Newark, who served the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1966-69, was not even sure he wanted to be a part of Honor Flight Columbus Mission 118 last year.
"I was reluctant to go at first," he admitted. "My first years spent in the Army were not my favorite three years. I did not want to relive them."
However, not only did Suskind and about a dozen members and veterans of the iconic Utica Coffee Club make the trip to Washington, D.C. on Nov. 3, 2022, but they were deeply moved by their experience. So much so that they wanted to contribute to future flights.
So they raised over $4,000 so that a group of Utica High School students could become guardians and aid veterans on Honor Flight Columbus Mission 122, which leaves John Glenn Columbus International Airport Thursday.
Coffee Club president Jim Belt said it has about 25 members and meets weekly at various establishments in the Utica area. Utica superintendent Scott Hartley and high school principal Anthony Ashbrook attended a meeting and received the club's donation. Guardians normally pay $450 each out of their own pockets.
When word was put out at the high school, eight seniors responded enthusiastically, and after they recently underwent training at Honor Flight Columbus, each will accompany two veterans and help them navigate Washington and visit the various memorials Thursday. Following their training, they reached out to the veterans they will be with.
"It was first come, first served, and I thought maybe three or four would respond," said Utica senior Tyler Chinn. "Eight of us did, and all were seniors. My dad served in Desert Storm and my grandpa in Vietnam, so I've always had a connection to the military. It's a great opportunity to understand what they went through and to see them recognized because they don't get the recognition they deserve."
The recent graduates had various reasons for wanting to be part of the Honor Flight.
"I grew up with family in the military, in the Air Force and Army, and this was a way I could give back to the people who fought for us," Rileigh Lewis said. "Seeing the 'Welcome Home' will be the biggest thing for me."
When the flight returns to Columbus is the biggest highlight for many, including the Coffee Club members.
"When we got back, the 'Welcome Home' is something I'll never forget," said Bernie Snow, who served in the Marines in Vietnam from 1963-67. "It wasn't that way when we returned from Vietnam."
The high point was getting back to the airport, Suskind said.
"There were probably 1,000 people and a high school pep band. There were two lines of people, shaking our hands and thanking us for our service," he said.
There are other special touches.
"Prior to going, letters are written to each of them, and they are given to them on the plane," Belt said.
Added Coffee Club member Dick Ramseyer, who served in the Air Force from 1962-64: "They gave us gifts. And there are still some World War II veterans who make the trip. They get the highest priority."
Utica senior Brody McDaniel said there are a lot of veterans in his family. His grandpa was a mechanic in the Korean War.
"This is a way to thank them for everything they've done.," McDaniel said. "I have not been to D.C. It will be interesting to hear all the stories and go to all the monuments, especially with the veterans."
"My grandpa, his dad and all of his brothers all served," Logan Scarberry said. "I'm looking forward to the Korean War Memorial, and going through it at a little slower pace."
Matthew Reavley said he's excited to have the opportunity to be with the veterans, help them through the day, and listen to their stories and backgrounds. Daniel Preston's grandfather served in the Air Force.
"He passed away in December," he said. "This is a way for me to honor him."
Other Utica seniors serving as guardians include Brayden Ricketts and Shelby Autherson.
Once the Honor Flights arrive in Washington, the veterans and their guardians are put on buses with a police escort. They visit the World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Wall, the Smithsonian, the Air Force Memorial and the Marine Corps Memorial featuring Iwo Jima. There are also stops at Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Mission 122 on Thursday is sponsored by All Life Foundation and includes five Purple Heart recipients and seven more who received the Bronze Star. Mission 123 on June 15 is the Dublin Community Honor Flight, sponsored by Dublin City Schools, the Nick Rozanski Foundation and Washington Township Fire Department.
Honor Flight Columbus was established in 2006 and recognizes veterans whether they served in the United States or overseas. Several flights are taken each year. Through the end of 2022, over 8,600 veterans had been honored, and the organization is funded entirely by donations from businesses, foundations and school organizations.
Applications are accepted from men and women, age 65 and over, who served at least one day of active duty (outside of any basic training active duty). For scheduling, top priority is given to World War II, Korea and terminally ill veterans, who are booked on the first available flight.
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Utica seniors become Honor Flight guardians thanks to local club
