An Historic Day for Four Marco Veterans

Many events were missed over the last two years since the advent of the COVID Pandemic that swept through our nation and across the globe. However, for some local veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, last Saturday evening marked a dream come true. The Collier-Lee County Honor Flight transported 85 veterans, along with their “guardians,” from Southwest Florida International Airport to Washington-Reagan National Airport, resuming the Honor Flight Program in Southwest Florida following a two-year hiatus.

The Honor Flight Program has expanded from its original focus on honoring World War II veterans, to honoring veterans who served during any time of conflict, such as the Korean War, Vietnam War and other intermediary conflicts, as well as other special circumstances. 

The Honor Flight Program was the creation of Jeff Miller and Earl Morse, who came up with the idea in 2005 and only one year later established the Honor Flight Network. The mission of the Honor Flight Program is to fly veterans to the national monuments and memorials that stand to honor their service, and the ultimate sacrifice that veterans have made to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. As of 2022, more than 250,000 U.S. veterans have had their military service celebrated through Miller and Morse’s vision.

On Saturday, April 30, four veterans from Marco Island joined their veteran brothers and one sister on the 22nd Mission of the Collier-Lee County Honor Flights. They joined with veterans from across the nation, who were similarly flown into one of the three D.C. area airports.

One of the special and poignant times during an Honor Flight involves “Mail-Call,” which is the reading of cards and letters from family, friends and neighbors expressing their gratitude for the veteran’s service to the nation. Some of the correspondence comes from strangers who simply want to let them know how much they appreciate the veteran’s service.

For the four Marco Island veterans, their day started early on Saturday morning as they travelled with their guardians to the Naples Airport. By 2:30 AM, they assembled with other local veterans who were also traveling on this special day. All four men were sponsored by the local San Marco Knights of Columbus and their guardians. 

Of the four Marco Island veterans, John Basic was one of only four World War II veterans on the flight and was the oldest at 98. The other three from Marco who shared this memorable trip with Basic were Jerry Hautman, Dan Moll and Joe Batte.

Upon their arrival by chartered bus to the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), they were treated to a light breakfast in the terminal before boarding the American Airlines charter that whisked them off to Reagan National Airport. In D.C., the deplaning process began and supplies for the day were unloaded on the ground in the nation’s capital.

The first stop on the tour was the World War II Memorial. From there the group went to Arlington National Cemetery. That tour included witnessing the Ceremonial Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, followed by a light lunch at the Air Force Memorial. 

After lunch, the veterans proceeded by bus to the Iwo Jima Memorial before a stop at the Korean and Vietnam Memorials. The veterans had a long day in Washington, and after more than 8 hours since landing in D.C., they reboarded their bus and headed to the airport for the trip home to Southwest Florida. The group left the Vietnam Memorial around 4:30 PM for the flight home, which left Washington-Reagan by 6 PM.

Back in Southwest Florida, crowds gathered at RSW to welcome home the weary travelers from their day in the nation’s capital. People began arriving at 7:30 PM to secure a good vantage point to welcome home these special 85 men and women. 

The veterans were led down a path of honor by the Lee County Sheriff’s Honor Guard. There was an emotional tribute stirred by the Southwest Florida’s Guns and Hoses Pipes and Drums Band, which preceded many other groups. Volunteers carried the official banner for the Collier-Lee County Honor Flight Chapter, which denoted the 22nd Mission and the generous sponsorship by the Rist Family Foundation that helped make this mission possible. Proudly marching were the Daughters of the American Revolution, reenactors from the Revolutionary War, and several other groups.

One of the most emotional moments would come when Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno personally escorted Joan C. Farrelly and her guardian as the first veteran down the “honor path.” She was the only female veteran aboard the first Honor Flight of 2022. Farrelly served 23 years in the United States Army and played a vital role in crypto and security during the difficult Cold War Era.

Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk presented each veteran with a special gift from his department and had his personal representatives, Captain J.J. Carroll and Sergeant Fritzler Bernagene, serve as his personal guardians to two of the Collier County veterans who were part of the 85 veterans that made this historic journey. 

Several members of the Marco Island Knights of Columbus were present to welcome home their Brother Knights. All had acquired Fourth Degree status in the organization, which is viewed as the highest and most prestigious degree within their ranks. Dick Gabrys explained that a Knight rising into the Fourth Degree is one who values and honors patriotism and has their faith and love of country as an anchor for their beliefs. Standing with them in the reception line were the wives of three of the proud veterans, as well as several others from Marco Island.

The tidal wave of patriotism could be felt throughout the terminal as congratulatory handshakes and hugs abounded throughout the procession line, eventually bringing the emotional veterans back to their families and friends, and finally, to the buses that would shuttle them back to their original departure points via police escort.

Retired Collier County Sheriff Lt. David Johnson, a longtime friend, former Marco resident and volunteer with the Collier-Lee County Honor Flight organization said it best, “The outpouring of the support for our veterans is something we especially need during these trying times. I’m really proud to be a part of so many great volunteers helping to make this happen and support all who serve.” 

The next Honor Flight is scheduled for October 22, 2022. More information about the Honor Flight Program and how you can become involved may be found at www.collierhonorflight.org.