Elmhurst Unit District 205 employee honored before taking Honor Flight for veterans

Howard Fry, an educational assistant at Sandburg Middle School, a former attorney and a U.S. Navy veteran, received a touching send-off from students and colleagues as a tribute to his Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Fry took his Honor Flight on Wednesday, Oct. 27.

To honor and thank him for his service, the entire Sandburg community lined the halls, cheering for and giving high-fives to Fry.

As a grand finale, the Sandburg Middle School Band and Orchestra played "Anchors Away."

Because of the impact that Fry's Honor Flight had on the school, Sandburg students will raise money to sponsor an individual to go on a future Honor Flight.

Fry applied to the U.S. Navy's "Two by Six" program after graduating from Illinois State University in 1971, and attended boot camp the following summer.

He served on the USS Chicago (CG-11) from January 1972 to December 1973, when he was honorably discharged as a Petty Officer Third Class.

Howard completed one year and 11 months of sea service and nearly six months of training. He received the Combat Action Ribbon, Naval Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Service Medal.

Following his service, Fry obtained a law degree from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago and had a successful career in family law before joining Elmhurst Unit District 205 in 2008.

Fry's wife, Carol, also works at Sandburg Middle School in Elmhurst.

Elmhurst Unit District 205 thanks Howard for his service, both to the students and to the nation.