:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/ARU3ULSWBO4VSWLQFYC4CUSMCI.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/J2OQLZWFCO5ZRN3BB2RW337I4Q.jpg)
WEST CHICAGO – The DuPage Veterans Foundation is looking to provide World War II veterans with a trip they will never forget.
The DuPage Airport will hold its fourth annual fundraiser for Honor Flight Chicago from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 2.
The day will honor World War II and Korean War veterans and will include displays of aircraft and military vehicles, the popular singing group The Legacy Girls, the Naperville Big Band, bagpipers performing "Amazing Grace," and a roll call of honorary veterans.
All the money earned from the event will go to Honor Flight Chicago, a program that allows World War II veterans to visit the World War II memorial and other sites in the nation's capital.
One of the event organizers, Christine Dettmann, is the daughter of a World War II veteran and said she was honored to be a part of the event.
“Any event that supports and honors our veterans, whether it's World War II vets or Vietnam vets, are important," Dettmann said. “We need to show them that we appreciate them and that they did a tremendous service to our country."
Dettman's father, World War II veteran Charles "Chuck" Scheckel, has attended the event every year since its inception and is aware of the history and importance of Chicago Honor Flight.
Scheckel has fond memories of the formation of the DuPage Veterans Foundation. He particularly remembers meeting former West Chicago Mayor Mike Kwasman, who was instrumental in organizing the Honor Flight fundraiser before his passing.
The wheels were set in motion when Scheckel organized a reunion of war veterans about six-to-eight years ago and asked Kwasman to deliver a short speech at the event.
After getting the opportunity to speak with Kwasman, Scheckel mentioned his interest in the Chicago Honor Flight, and Kwasman was able to spur fundraising for the organization.
“Mike Kwasman is the most beloved man I've ever run into," Scheckel said.
When asked what specific element of the trip was his favorite, Scheckel had a hard time nailing down one thing.
“I thought everything was great,” Scheckel said. “The most memorable piece is the Korean War [piece].The casualties looking out of this marble wall, and I've never seen anything like it. It's etched in black marble. Somehow when you etch into it, It looks like photographs.”
The fundraiser sets a goal of $55,000 to cover the costs of the flight each year.
The DuPage County group has raised about $155,000 over three years, according to DuPage Veterans Foundation member Richard Jorgensen.
Scheckel is eager for a large turnout this year and hoping to see many War II and Korean War veterans.
“If they all come out like they've been coming out, I'm perfectly happy,” Scheckel said.
---
If you go
What: The DuPage Veterans Foundation fundraiser to raise money for Honor Flight Chicago.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: The DuPage Airport, 2700 International Drive, West Chicago
Cost: $30 in advance or $40 at the door. $20 per child.