Honor Flight fundraiser at DuPage Airport features WWII vets' stories, planes

For decades, U.S. Army veteran Albert Baker didn't really talk about what he experienced during World War II, family members say.

That changed nearly three years ago when the 90-year-old Lincolnwood resident joined other World War II veterans for an Honor Flight from Chicago to Washington, D.C.

"Before the flight, he wasn't that engaged with being a World War II vet," said Jeff Baker of Downers Grove, who was able to accompany his dad on the emotional trip to see the World War II Memorial. "Since that Honor Flight, it's such an important part of him."

On Saturday, Albert Baker proudly wore his veterans cap as he and members of his family attended an Honor Flight Chicago fundraiser at DuPage Airport in West Chicago.

The event was organized by the DuPage Veterans Foundation.

"The purpose is to raise money and give it to Honor Flight Chicago," said Richard Jorgensen, the president of the foundation. He said the event also honored World War II and Korean War veterans.

Jorgensen said organizers were hoping to raise $55,000, which would be enough money to charter an airplane to fly 90 veterans and their companions to Washington. Once in Washington, the veterans spend the day visiting the memorial and several other locations.

Albert Baker said the Honor Flight he took in 2012 was "fantastic." He said he hopes as many veterans as possible can have the same experience.

"Our numbers are getting pretty depleted," said Baker, who served in the 8th Armored Division. "I was a youngster when I went in. I was 19 years old. Now I'm going to be 91 this month. So there aren't a lot of us left."

About 1,000 people were expected to attend Saturday's fundraiser, which featured live music, war historians, and planes and vehicles from the era. One of the military displays included a World War II-era battalion aid station complete with a jeep and various medical supplies.

Vietnam War Army veteran Arthur Miller said he enjoyed the displays. But it was the cause that inspired him to attend the event for the first time.

The Bolingbrook resident said it's "the best thing in the world" to send veterans on a trip to the World War II Memorial.

"I've been there, and I think everybody should go," said Miller, who served in the 101st Airborne Division.

World War II veteran Chuck Scheckel went on an Honor Flight in 2009. He said the experience has meant "so many things" to him.

"It's hard to explain," the 90-year-old West Chicago resident said. "But the thing about it was you were getting some recognition. You got some recognition for sticking your neck out and making it back."

Jorgensen said the DuPage Veterans Foundation plans to continue holding the annual fundraiser as long as Honor Flight Chicago is doing its work.

"I don't see an end," Jorgensen said. "We plan on keeping this up. It gets bigger every year."