Honor Flight Chicago volunteer makes 20th trip with veterans to Washington, D.C.

On Aug. 18, Dan Harrington was back to doing one of the things he loves best. The vice president of senior living for Lexington Squares Lombard and Elmhurst has been a volunteer with Honor Flight Chicago for 10 years.

The nonprofit organization takes American veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials that honor their service.

Harrington, who has worked in senior living for 20 years, said that several years ago, residents of the communities he managed started sharing their experiences with him when they returned home.

He quickly signed on to volunteer. First, in addition to recruiting veterans at his retirement communities to participate in the experience, Harrington would help see them off from the airport when they left for their trip.

Soon after that, he started traveling with the veterans as a guardian and bus captain.

Honor Flight stopped operating during COVID-19. Last week was the first trip in almost two years.

Harrington reported that this flight included three World War II, 33 Korean War, and 76 Vietnam War veterans. "This was my 20th trip," he said.

He was assigned as the guardian of World War II veteran Lindy Rossino.

"Thank you are the two most powerful words in the English language. Being a volunteer for Honor Flight Chicago gives me the opportunity to say 'thank-you' to our heroes," Harrington said.

LEXINGTON SQUARE

Lexington Square Lombard and Elmhurst are two distinguished senior living communities in Chicago's western suburbs. Lexington Square Lombard offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite. Lexington Square Elmhurst provides independent living and assisted living. Both have priority access to long-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care through the Lexington Health Network. For more information visit www.LexingtonSquares.com or call (630) 576-4800.