100-year-old Veteran Grandfather, Selected for Honor Flight to DC
Recently, my grandfather, Wally Mattison, was selected to participate in an Honor Flight from his home in Vermont to the US capital to visit the memorials and be honored for his service. Wally, a Purple Heart veteran of Normandy, served with the 29th Infantry division (of Saving Private Ryan fame) as a machine gunner and fought from the earliest days of the Normandy campaign until Germany’s surrender. He later served in the National Guard during the Korean War, leaving the service as a Master Sergeant.
Honor Flights are conducted by non-profit organizations across the country, dedicated to transporting as many US military veterans as possible to see the memorials dedicated to the wars in which they fought, all at no cost to the veteran. Wally’s honor flight was put on by the Leatherstocking Honor Flight of New York, and he was the oldest veteran to participate at 100 years young. The flight started bright and early with Wally and his caregivers, my aunt’s Maureen and Linda, departing at 430am. They were escorted along the way by multiple veteran’s biker groups, and arrived at the airport to a marching band and Scout color guard, and speeches from local politicians wishing them well on their journey. They were just the first of many to thank Wally and the other veterans for their service.
Upon arriving in DC, they were greeted at the airport by a town crier and rapturous applause by all the travelers in the terminal. After a brief break, they were driven to the National Mall to see the WWII memorial. Wally, who has never been a big fan of flying, was very happy he took the chance to see his memorial and share in the moment with his daughters. Ever a humble man, Wally replied to every “thank you for your service” with “I don’t deserve any of this.” Everyone around him assured him that he most certainly did!
After a long day of sightseeing, Wally and the group were celebrated with a catered dinner at a local high school, served by members of the local JROTC, before boarding their flight home, filled with memories and renewed pride for the country they all had served.
At Right at Home Virginia Beach, we are proud to take care of our veterans who have given so much for us. I was inspired to enter the homecare business because of the positive impact in-home care had on my grandfather’s life, helping him stay independent in his home and connected to his community. That additional care provided us with peace of mind, but also allowed us to make more memories in our family home and allowed my grandfather to do things he loved like take long drives into the country or get coffee with his old police buddies. I want to provide those same experiences to the seniors in our community. As a veteran myself, I have a special place in my heart for my fellow vets, and we are blessed to have many former servicemen and women who call Hampton Roads home. If you or a veteran you love is looking for in home care, or have questions about VA benefits that might cover the cost of homecare, please give us a call at (757) 985-2057.
