World War II veteran from Elgin joins Honor Flight Chicago visit

Posted October 10, 2016 11:00 pm

Cathy Vaden

Richard Fricke and his son, Mark, visit the World War II memorial in Washington D.C. as part of a Honor Flight Chicago. Courtesy of Cathy Vaden

Lifelong Elgin resident Richard Fricke participated in Honor Flight Chicago's 75th flight to Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Oct. 5.

It was enjoyed and shared by 107 World War II and Korean War veterans and thousands of supporters and volunteers.

The 89-year-old graduated from Elgin High School in 1945. He joined the U.S. Army immediately out of high school. He served as a courier from 1945 to 1947 in the Philippines during World War II.

Richard has been married to his soul mate and wife, Millie, for 65 years. Together they had three children. One of their sons, Mark, accompanied his dad on this trip as his guardian.

Richard currently resides at The Vines Senior Homes on Bode Road in Elgin. This is The Vines third World War II hero to go on a Honor Flight Chicago trip.

Honor Flight Chicago's mission is to thank and pay tribute to these heroes - especially our World War II and Korean War veterans - by bringing them to Washington, D.C. for a day of honor and remembrance at no cost to them. There are an estimated 53,000 World War II and Korean War veterans living in the Chicago area - and they want to reach and honor each and every one.

There are many ways to help, visit www.honorflightchicago.org or follow the organization on Facebook or Twitter.

World War II veteran Richard Fricke is greeted by his wife, Millie, at the Welcome Home Celebration at Midway Airport after the Oct. 5 Honor Flight Chicago to Washington, D.C. Courtesy of Cathy Vaden

World War II veteran Richard Fricke and his son, Richard, are welcomed at Washington D.C.'s Dulles Airport by a couple of dancers as part of the Oct. 5 Honor Flight Chicago to the veterans' memorials. Courtesy of Cathy Vaden

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