I served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. I was trained as a combat engineer and fully expected to be sent to Korea. But the war was starting to wind down and I was shipped to Germany instead.
For several years my daughters had encouraged me to go on one of the Honor Flights, but because I did not fight in a war I felt the flights should be
for the guys who were combat veterans.
Finally they convinced me the flights were to honor those who wore the uniform and served their country and did what they were asked to do.
One day my daughter called me and said, "Dad, I have you all signed up, all you have to do is call and tell them you will go."
Finally, at 84, I made the flight on Sept. 16, 2017, out of Milwaukee. It was a wonderful experience. There were 15 WW2 vets and 56 of us from the Korean era on the flight. Vets, make that trip while you are physically able.

- Maury Pettengill