Nonprofit helps vets who made history, make lasting memories

By Sgt. Michael Cost

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Applause rang out Oct. 17 inside the terminal of Baltimore/ Washington International Airport as elderly men and one elderly woman debarked their 737 aircraft to begin a weekend none of them would ever forget.

Whether teary-eyed or smiling proudly, the World War II American veterans walked, caned or moved by wheel chair toward the exit of the airport and into an adventure some may never experience if not for the help of a local Colorado organization.

Rocky Mountain Honor Flight is a unique organization which provides these veterans an opportunity to not only see a historic memorial built in recognition of their service more than 60 years ago,  but also enables them to tour the city of Washington D.C. for two days.

“This is all made possible by donations from various other organizations, these veterans do not have to pay for anything,” explained Mark Schoenrock, a retired U.S. Army colonel and currently a “Guardian” with RMHF.

“This is all about them,” he continued, “and the sacrifice they made … some of these guys have the most amazing stories.”

As he stood under the Guadalcanal portion of the Iwo Jima memorial in D.C., memories came flooding back to retired Air Force Col. John Thompson.

“We were in the Guadalcanal and most of our planes had taken pretty heavy damage, there were five still able to fly, but we only had enough fuel for three,” Thompson recalled. “So three pilots, myself included, hopped in the planes and took off.”

Two of the planes got hit, including Thompson’s. But their assistance caused the enemy troops to retreat, which gave the ground troops time to regroup and press forward.

“After all of that took place, that ridge where we made our runs was known as ‘Bloody Ridge,’” Thompson said.

The trips to the U.S. capitol not only enable the veterans to see the memorials, but to share each other’s stories and meet other veterans as well, some of whom served in the same areas and in the same conflicts.

“John Thompson saved our butts,” declared retired U.S. Marine Bill Allen, speaking of the strafing runs he and the other two pilots did that day at Guadalcanal.

 “I sat down and starting talking to him about his story,” Allen said. “I just couldn’t believe it … we were both at Bloody Ridge and never knew each other and here we meet … it’s just great.”

All the former service members had their accounts of what happened to them; some recalled battles they took part in which have since become a huge part of U.S. history.

“I was at the Battle of Iwo Jima for six days and our job was to conduct mop-up operations there,” said Gerald Krutsch, a retired Army lieutenant colonel. “I was a staff sergeant at the time and I was a light weapons section leader.”

Krutsch, and a Japanese survivor of the battle, were later featured in a Japanese documentary called “Iwo Jima: The Island of Death.” Krutsch received a Bronze Star for valor during the battle.

The veterans got to tour Washington, D.C., visiting different memorials, all at no cost to them. Food was even provided for them by Rocky Mountain Honor Flight.  Most of the veterans,  bound by wheelchairs or having to use walkers to get around with, would have never had the opportunity to be involved in such an adventure due to financial reasons, overall physical condition or other circumstances.

“On this trip we have 35 veterans and 15 guardians,” said Schoenrock.  “It is up to the Guardians to take care of the veterans,” he explained, “get them to these sights and provide whatever support they need.”

It has been more than 60 years since the veterans served in the last world war, one which caused a worldwide mobilization of more than 100 million troops. The trip they took from Colorado to Washington, D.C., to see the memorials not only brought back old memories, but also made new ones.

“I think this trip is great,” said Krutsch. “It would’ve never been possible for me otherwise because of the cost and I am very thankful for the opportunity to be here.”

Upon arrival back at Denver International Airport main terminal, bagpipes could faintly be heard as the veterans boarded an elevator to meet back up with family members for the ride home.
The elevator doors slid open to reveal a crowd of some 100 grateful Americans clapping, holding signs stating “Thank you for your service!” Two men in Scottish kilts played hymns on bagpipes as miniature American flags were vigorously waved. It was as if the veterans had returned from the war that day … and those 60 years had never gone by.

Sgt. Michael Cost of the Colorado National Guard was a Guardian on the October Rocky Mountain Honor Flight trip from Colorado to Washington, D.C.