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'Journey of Heroes' takes flight from PDX to Washington, D.C.


'Journey of Heroes' takes flight from PDX to Washington, D.C./KATU News photo{p}{/p}
'Journey of Heroes' takes flight from PDX to Washington, D.C./KATU News photo

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Portland, ORE. – Veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, are heading off on a special flight to Washington, D.C. called the “Journey of Heroes.”

The trip is organized and funded once a year by the Vital Life Foundation in partnership with Wish of a Lifetime. The two groups have similar aims in supporting and granting wishes for seniors.

Lois Eliuk is in her mid-80s. She served in the U.S. in the Air Force as a physical therapist during the Korean War. The trip was a surprise to her. “I didn’t know nothing about this group, and they walked in and said, you are going. It was just wonderful.” While she says she didn’t have a desire to go to Washington, D.C. initially, she certainly does now. Sleeping the night before her flight was nearly impossible because she was so excited. But she knows she’ll be emotional at the wall that’s part of the Korean War memorial. “Well, the tears will be running. Just the sadness of how many lives have been taken.”

The stories that so many of these veterans have held onto come out during these trips. They mean a lot to family members who have never heard them. “So this year, we have a number of children coming. And you know, those children range in age from mid 60s to mid 70s. And they’re hearing stories from their loved ones that they never even knew. So the sharing that goes on, on this trip is truly magical,” says Vital Life’s Executive Director, Ann Adrian.

Stories like the one from Richard “Dick” Lennox. Lennox earned his wings in the Navy, but became an instrument flight instructor in the Marine Corps. He was based in Houston, Texas during World War II. “We lost my best friend in service, in the Gulf of Mexico. And his remains were never found. And so it always tugs at my heart when I get talking about this sort of thing,” he said.

The group of 45, with the veterans, their children and family members, and caregivers posed for one last group photo at PDX before departure. A barbershop quartet was also there to send them off with a song.

Adrian adds, “We constantly hear that this was truly the trip of a lifetime, that the memories and the comradery and the new friendships that they’ve made have made a lasting impression on them and their families.”

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