I had the honor to escort my father, retired Army Master Sgt. Harold Haltom, on an Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight (OWHF) to Washington D.C. on Tuesday, April 16. He is
I had the honor to escort my father, retired Army Master Sgt. Harold Haltom, on an Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight (OWHF) to Washington D.C. on Tuesday, April 16.
He is my father, and my hero.
The two-day event began at the Hard Rock Casino in Catoosa on April 15, where veterans and their escorts checked into the hotel and began introduction programs with fellow veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm.
From the moment we arrived it was a class act by OWHF.
Hundreds of supporters sent us off from Tulsa International Airport to an emotional welcoming by supporters and a band in Washington.
“It was unbelievable and very rewarding,” Dad said.
We toured the Air Force Memorial, Marine/Iwo Jima Memorial, Korea War Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial Wall, Arlington National Cemetery and the Changing of the Guard, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial.
It can only be described as an overwhelming baptism of patriotism.
I was in the presence of heroes that had sensational stories, like WWII veteran James DeLoach (Army Air Corp) who flew 27 missions, had four crash landings and was a prisoner of war, and Robert Dempsey, who was shot by an enemy fighter plane, only the bullet lodged in the prayer book he carried in his chest pocket, saving his life.
Also Kenneth Carpenter (Army Air Corp paratrooper), who was dropped behind enemy lines during WWII to conduct covert operations and made it out to tell the story.
It was these men, and the many others who fought for our freedom, that makes it vital for us to remember their sacrifices.
Dad represented Korean War veterans in an on-sight video interview by the OWHF while at the Korean War Memorial.
“This is a humbling and sad experience. The memorial is beautiful, but it is my hope that this memorial and others will continue to reflect on those that didn’t return home like we did and give them the honor and respect that they deserve. It is very important to our country and the veterans and their families that we have memorials like this,” Dad said.
During the entire tour we had a police escort and in Washington only the veterans, the president and dignitaries have police escorts – which made the Honor Flight that much more special.
Everywhere we went we were met by supporters cheering and shaking the veterans’ hands and giving them mementos.
“This was really special. The entire trip was a humbling experience, and I’m just glad that I was able to share it with my son. Every veteran needs to take part in Oklahoma Warrior’s Honor Flight,” Dad said.
The Honor Flight program is a nationwide network, dedicated to providing veterans a free trip to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials honoring their service and sacrifice.
Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight is an established 501(c) 3 non-profit hub of the Honor Flight Network.
They utilize volunteers in order to accomplish this mission.
All expenses for this one-day trip are paid for by the Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight, including the flight, ground transportation, meals, snacks and beverages.
The trip is provided absolutely free of charge to the veterans; they cannot spend their own money.
Trained volunteer guardians can provide assistance and accompany our
veterans on their flight.
They also give top priority on every flight to any veteran who has a terminal illness.
Honor Flight Network recognizes American veterans for their sacrifices and achievements by flying them to Washington, D.C. to see THEIR memorial at no cost.
Top priority is given to World War II and terminally-ill veterans from all wars.
To apply for the next Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight as a veteran, guardian or volunteer or to make a donation, please send downloaded application it to:
Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight or via email to applications@oklahomawarriors.org.
Check the website at Oklahoma Warrior Honor Flight or call 888-819-2119.
