Many have encountered stories of service members returning from the Vietnam War, often without ceremonies or celebrations. These veterans were frequently ignored or mistreated upon their return. The Honor Flight Network, launched in 2005, aims to honor these veterans who still survive. Honor Flight Chicago originally celebrated World War II veterans, expanded to include Korean War veterans, and now primarily focuses on honoring Vietnam War veterans in Chicagoland.
The Honor Flight program flies veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials dedicated to their service. This trip comes at no cost to the veterans. Two of my friends participated in an Honor Flight in May. Stan McGraw, an Army veteran, and Jack Rauscher, a Navy veteran, both served in Vietnam during the 1960s.
Stan McGraw enlisted in the Army in 1963, training at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, before heading to Vietnam in 1965. His unit was stationed at An Khe in the Central Highlands region. McGraw recalled being prepared for battle when enemy forces threatened, maintaining faith in his survival. He returned in 1966, ranked as Specialist E-5.
Jack Rauscher joined the Naval Reserves in 1966. Trained in California, he joined the Mobile Riverine Force in 1968, serving on “tango boats” with the “Brown Water Navy.” Many firefights ensued along the Mekong River Delta. Rauscher completed his tour as a Petty Officer 3rd Class before returning home in 1969.
Both men faced health problems from exposure to Agent Orange, a common issue among Vietnam veterans. Yet, neither mentioned it initially.
“The anticipation. We were nervous as heck until the bell rings, like in sports, and you’re ready to go,” Rauscher said.
The Honor Flight day started early at Midway Airport, offering meals, escorts, and necessary assistance. In Washington, traffic was halted to allow veterans to visit several memorials and the Air and Space Museum without delay. On the return flight, a “mail call” provided each veteran with cards and letters, an emotional highlight according to McGraw, who received over 50 cards.
A warm welcome awaited them at Midway around 11 p.m.; more than 1,000 people, including bagpipers and bands, gathered to honor the veterans. This reception starkly contrasted their initial return from Vietnam.
“It was like night and day from when we returned from Vietnam,” Rauscher described.
Both veterans expressed profound gratitude for the Honor Flight experience. McGraw highlighted the impact of receiving the call to participate after two years, calling it “the greatest day of a lot of people’s lives.”
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