Clutching a poster featuring her likeness from her days as a Marine Corps airplane mechanic, Helen Ehlers, 89, of Wheaton, soaks in the adoration from a fellow DuPage County Marine Corps League member welcoming her home from an Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C., to see the World War II Memorial.

Courtesy of Read Boeckel

Snapping to attention during last month's Honor Flight visit to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., Navy veteran Bob Banks of Glen Ellyn, standing in the middle, is flanked by Marine Helen Ehlers of Wheaton, right, and former Air Force First Lt. B.L. Dunjill.

Courtesy of Read Boeckel

Former Marine Corps airplane mechanic Helen Ehlers, 89, of Wheaton, being pushed by fellow veteran Bob Banks of Glen Ellyn, says her recent Honor Flight trip to see the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., was "awesome." Making sure all that era's veterans feel that way is the job for younger generation Marine veteran Read Boeckel of Glen Ellyn, left, secretary of the charity and a guardian on this trip. Navy Corpsman Steve Taylor stands to the right.

Courtesy of Honor Flight Chicago

This poster features a photo of Wheaton resident Helen Ehlers, now 89, taken during her service as a Marine Corps airplane mechanic. Honor Flight volunteers welcoming veterans home after a trip to the World War II Memorial go beyond the call to show their gratitude.

Courtesy of Read Boeckel