I had the Privilege to fly with with Honor Flight this October 2016 to Washington DC and photograph the experience of 96 of our nations veterans who have never seen the memorials made in there honor and for those that have fallen defending our nation.

On our first day we went to the World War II and the Air Force Memorial and then went to our hotel for a great dinner.

On day 2 we saw the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier, at Arlington National Cemetery, which was a very touching service for everyone there. Many where silent, many saluted, and the rest laid there hand over there hearts. Then we went on to the Women In Military Service Museum, we had One Woman Vet with us who was able to see this museum made in their honor. Then we made our way to The Vietnam Wall Veterans Memorial, where Vets looked for the names of the fallen services members they knew. It was touching to see them remembering their friends and the times they had and was a very emotional moment for some of them.

What stood out and was a particularly special moment, was when a Marine Vet Brought out a sign and candle and lit it and open the sign that read Ken Hovland You're Here In Spirit USMC. When i found out the back story to this sign i teared up, these men knew Ken and said he was fighting cancer and lost the battle a week before Honor flight and was unable to fly with them so in his Honor they did that for him at the Vietnam Wall. 

After the Vietnam wall we made our way to the Korean And Lincoln Memorial, then to the Navy Memorial & Museum. Then we made our way to Our final stop, the Iwo Jima/ Marine Memorial. When we first arrived we drove around in a circle the reason being is because the way the memorial is made you can see it in 360o but there is one spot where the flag stands straight up, other spots it pointed straight out, at a 90o angle and even were it looks like the flag is behind them. We got out and were able to walk around and get some last pictures and if you stand in the right spot you can see the White House, the Pentagon, U.S Capitol Building And The Washington Monument. As we finished our trip we loaded on a plane and headed back to Spokane where little did they know the fun and excitement was not over yet.

On the plane you can hear these Vets talking about how happy they are they finally where able to make it they didnt think they would ever be able to, and how honored they Felt to have gone, after we had our on flight dinner the Vets had another surprise Mail Call. What Honor flight does is ask each family of the vet traveling to write a letter to them and they also have schools sent in letters as well. so when mail call hits they each get a big envelope filled with letters, drawing, pictures, poems, and just filled with love. At that moment tears are escaping, laughter is heard, and smiles are seen, as they read these letters of love and gratitude.

Once we landed in Spokane these Vets had no idea of the Welcome home they were about to get. hundreds gathers in the lobby/check in waiting for them to arrive, the Air Force ROTC was there to salute and their band to play music. The Patriot Guard Riders stood tall holding the american flag. And many other groups and family members were there to welcome our Vets home. Standing in the room you can feel all the excitement and joy that everyone had brought to these men and women.

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