05/02/2026
Last weekend I was humbled to be part of a special sendoff and greeting of the Puget Sound Honor Flight at Sea-Tac Airport. The purpose of these special flights is "to celebrate Western Washington WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War era veterans with a FREE trip to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at the memorials built in their honor." Each year they do two flights in the spring and two flights in the fall, leaving Saturday morning and returning Monday evening.
On Saturday we greeted the veterans and then joined them in a VIP-escorted parade through security to the gate, where there were several active duty personnel showing their support.
Some of the veterans were feeling anxious about the flight and visiting the war memorials, so my team and I spread out and chatted with many of them, comforting them with pets and hugs. Soon they boarded a special plane and were off.
On Monday, we were there to greet the veterans as they returned home. For some of them, it was the greeting they did not receive--but should have--many years ago. There was a large crowd of family members, veterans, and other supporters, and it was awesome to see so many people. Kevin, a member of my team, asked a veteran named Gary how his trip went, and he grinned and replied, "Best three days of my life."
It was a touching experience, and I was honored to be a part of it. I hope I get to do it again!
"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8
