WASHINGTON D.C. — More than 80 veterans from across Northern Michigan returned home this week after taking part in the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight’s Mission 24, a trip to Washington, D.C., honoring their service and sacrifice.
The Oct. 15 flight gave veterans the chance to visit memorials dedicated to their military branches and fallen comrades. For many, it was a powerful opportunity to reflect on their experiences and connect with others who served.
“I’m able to feel the love and the gratitude of the people that interact with us through this entire experience,” said Army veteran Jonathan Turnbull. “And then also being able to sit next to the veterans and talk with other veterans, let their hair down so to speak.”
Among those on the trip was World War II veteran Richard Bukowski, who said he was moved by the quiet moments at the memorials.
“I saw an example at the World War II memorial of a person who must have been very involved,” Bukowski said. “And he was sitting by himself just contemplating, and it was really stark to see that.”
While the trip celebrated the service of all veterans, some reflected on how returning home after war was not always a warm experience.
“I just remember being really frightened to even talk to people for a couple of days because the whole environment was so different than where I’d been used to living,” said Vietnam Marine veteran David Borkowski.
“You weren’t even born yet,” added Vietnam veteran Gene Adams. “Then there was race riots going on back here, and especially in Detroit… we were the lowest thing on earth for coming back.”
Others shared memories of those who never returned.
“There are people that didn’t come home,” said Vietnam veteran Billie Drake. “Like the guys that were in a bomber and had to parachute were captured and then disappeared. I mean, they had them on film… and then the next time they did, they weren’t.”
For Turnbull, seeing veterans receive the appreciation they once missed was deeply meaningful.
“This is the next step in showing them that gratitude,” he said. “Telling them that what they’ve done is not gone unnoticed… when we came at every stop and when we came home, it was thanking them the way they should have been thanked at the end of the war.”
More than 200 people gathered at Cherry Capital Airport to welcome the group home, waving flags and cheering as the veterans stepped off the plane.
The day ended with a traditional mail call, where veterans received letters from loved ones — a cherished reminder of home.
“It brings us all closer together, brings a sense of healing, and it’s an amazing experience,” Turnbull said. “Just feeling the love, the gratitude of everybody that works on and gives us to D.C. and then helps us through everything.”