Over the past two years, DFC’s GIVE team has participated in the Honor Flights Network Program. The Honor Flights program brings thousands of Veterans from all over the country to our nation’s capital each year so that they can visit their respective war memorials along with their fellow Veterans. The program recently gained national attention when Veterans stormed the barricade of the WWII memorial amidst the memorial’s forced closure during the 16-day government shutdown. We recently interviewed Charlie Moore, a WWII Veteran and past participant of the program, to get his first-hand perspective on the Honor Flights program and share with us his experience on his recent trip to D.C.

Introduction: Please tell us a little bit about yourself

Q: Where are you from?

Decatur, OH. A small town in southern Ohio.

Q: What are your interests/hobbies?

Until a total hip replacement in January 2011, I was very active. I cut my own firewood; remodeled my house; raised a large vegetable garden; hunted deer with my extended family and friends; traveled with my wife to see this beautiful country; and helped out at the local community center. Now, time is spent enjoying my grandchildren and visiting my many friends.

Q: When did you serve and for what branch of the military?

I enlisted in October 1942. I was a tail gunner for the 8^th Air Force, 548 Bomb Squadron, and 385 Bomb Group. I was shot down during my 15^th mission on May 8, 1944. I was a prisoner of war for 1 year 5 days. I was released at the conclusion of the war in May 1945.

Honor Flights Network Program

Q: How did you learn about the Honor Flights Program?

Through TV news and my daughter-in-law researched on the internet. I filled out an application to participate.

Q: When did you participate? Was it your first time visiting D.C.?

I participated on May 21, 2013. I traveled to D.C. back in July 2004 with my nephew and three young grandsons. It was an honor to share the experience with the young boys, ages 11, 13, and 14.

Q: How would you describe the reception you received at the airport upon arrival to D.C.?

It was so unexpected. Large crowds applauding and children waving flags. I was very humbled by the experience. Auxiliary ladies, dressed in period dresses, danced with the Veterans.

Q: What difference/impact did the airport greeters have on your trip?

It made me realize how important it is to share experiences with others and make them aware of the sacrifices so many made and to let them know that war is not glamorous.

Q: How important was it to you to visit your war memorial here in the nation’s capital?

I had seen the memorial in 2004 with my three young grandsons but I was glad to have the opportunity to share the experience again with my stepson. He is very interested in the history of the war. He and his wife took us to the 8^th Air Force, 385^th reunion in Charleston, South Carolina back in 2010.

Q: What did it mean to you to be able to share this experience with fellow Veterans?

I enjoyed spending time and sharing experiences with fellow Veterans. I realized how lucky I am to be so healthy at 92 and to live in the USA, FREE!

Q: Would you encourage others to volunteer with the Honor Flights Program? Why?

Yes, the Veterans of WWII are all aged and need help and encouragement from the younger generation.

For more information on the Honor Flights Network Program and how to get involved, please visit their website at http://www.honorflight.org/.