The Ground Crew

Cedar Valley Honor Flights have reached their final destination of Washington, D.C. by way of the three major airports serving the nation’s capital. Early flights arrived at Dulles International Airport located in Dulles, Virginia. The organization has also made arrivals at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

 

Regardless the arrival location, one common sight is the presence of volunteers adorned in brightly colored t-shirts. These Honor Flight Ground Crew members not only greet each incoming flight, they assist veterans and streamline their movement through the terminal to the tour buses that await them.

 

In Baltimore, Cedar Valley Honor Flight veterans had the pleasure of meeting Joe Short, whose infectious enthusiasm for greeting veterans was a welcome like no other. Stationed prominently at the head of the greeting line, Mr. Short wasn’t having any of the standard, “Welcome to Baltimore,” or “Thank you for your service,” catchphrases. No siree. If the name on the lanyard worn by each veteran was not visible, Joe wouldn’t hesitate to reach out and turn it around so he could warmly greet each person by name. And as evidenced by one of the featured photographs in the soon-to-be-released book The Cedar Valley Honor Flight Story: A Photographic Journey, one could say Joe even had a special way with the ladies.

 

Given the brisk schedule of arrivals from Honor Flights spanning more than 40 states, there must be hundreds of volunteers living in the Washington, D.C. area that serve as members of the Ground Crew. Look closely at the backs of the t-shirts they wear and you’ll find a Will Rogers quote that sums up the spirit of gratitude these volunteers share: “We can’t all be heroes – some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”