Lake Co. YMCA keeps WWII veteran fit
You could say it's amazing that Dick Mitchell survived an emergency landing on Iwo Jimo which had just been taken by the Marines during World War II.
“I was more afraid of the Marines than the Japanese!” he said, adding that he wasn't born to hate anyone but it was war. And he was part of the 20th Air Force, 9th Bomb Group, stationed on the island of Tinian.
Mitchell flew a total of 35 combat missions to Japan, dropping demolition and incendiary bombs. He watched as the A-bomb, known as “big boy,” was loaded onto the B-29 for its historic flight over Hiroshima.
Now 85, Mitchell participated recently in Honor Flight Chicago which brings Chicago's veterans to Washington, D.C. – with honor.
“The day was one of the most enriching experiences of my life,” Mitchell said. He described how when the veterans landed at Midway after a whirlwind day of flying to D.C. and back, they were greeted by each branch of the service, a color guard, drum corps and bagpipes, plus a water salute done by fire engines over the plane.
Two thousand civilians were there to welcome them home.
“They were kissing us on the cheek. I had lipstick all over my face! When I looked at them, they all had tears in their eyes. It wasn't 'me'. I represented their son, brother, or uncle who did not make it.”
Mitchell noted that most of the 92 World War II veterans on his Honor Flight were in wheelchairs. He walked on his own.
“I'm in good shape for the shape I'm in! I feel blessed that through the Y, I'm in relatively good shape. I've enjoyed the Y – swimming and exercising - plus all the fellowship. A lot of us are close friends. I've met a lot of great people at the Y.”
We say Mitchell is one of the best of the “Greatest Generation” and the finest example of the power of relationships and staying young at the YMCA.
The Lake County Family YMCA is a cause-driven nonprofit that strengthens the community through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. It was founded in 1892 and is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization.