Executive Director of Oak Trace Shows Thanks to Veterans Through Volunteerism with Honor Flight Chicago

Dan Harrington has many great interests and hobbies, including but not limited to playing ice hockey and golfing. However, volunteering with Honor Flight Chicago is one of the things he loves best.

The executive director of Oak Trace senior living community in Downers Grove has volunteered with Honor Flight Chicago for 12 years. The nonprofit organization takes American veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials that honor their service.

Harrington, who has worked in senior living for 22 years, said several years ago, veterans living at the communities he managed started sharing their Honor Flight experiences with him when they returned home. He quickly signed on to volunteer with the organization.

First, in addition to recruiting residents to participate in the experience, Harrington would help see them off from the airport when they left for their trip.

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

Harrington accompanies the heroes on Honor Flight monthly throughout each summer. On July 14, he will participate in his 33rd Honor Flight.

"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.

Oak Trace senior living community in Downers Grove is set on more than 40 acres of landscaped grounds featuring gardens, walking paths, ponds and abundant green space. Oak Trace has private independent living apartments, as well as assisted living, memory care, skilled care and rehabilitation. The Life Care Community offers guaranteed lifelong care with predictable costs. Oak Trace is owned by LifeSpace, a not-for-profit organization with more than 45 years of experience in senior living. To learn more about Oak Trace, visit www.OakTraceSeniorLiving.com.