News Article - 3 minute read

On September 25, 2024, brothers of Sigma Mu Mu Chapter, Third District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., supported the Honor Flight Organization’s Day of Honor in Washington, D.C. by welcoming the 118^th Honor Flight of Chicago to Dulles, VA, and serving as escorts (Guardians) with more than 100 other volunteers.  Honor Flight Chicago is part of the Honor Flight Network that was created solely to honor America’s military veterans for their sacrifices.  One of Honor Flight’s key events is the Day of Honor in Washington, D.C. when participants visit the memorials built in tribute to the service of veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.  It is a one-of-a-kind journey that recognizes the bravery, determination, and patriotism of our nation’s senior war veterans.  As a heartfelt thank you for their service, the veterans are transported to Washington D.C. at no cost to them to visit and reflect at the memorials.

The 118th Honor Flight of Chicago comprised 116 veterans from three wars and four military services, including 11 Air Force, 82 Army, 6 Marine Corps, and 17 Navy men and women.  There was a 97-year-old WWII veteran, two Korean War veterans, and 113 Vietnam War veterans.  A Guardian was assigned to each veteran for the entire day and was responsible for the veteran’s well-being and comfort.  Brother Robert Jackson III and Brother Brian Porter of Sigma Mu Mu served as Guardians and escorted their veterans to the Iwo-Jima, Air Force, WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam Veterans Memorials, as well as the Lincoln Memorial and the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum. They provided food and beverages, ensured their veterans took their medications, and helped with wheelchairs and photos while touring the memorials.

Brother Jackson (Gamma Gamma Chapter, Spring 1965) introduced the Honor Flight Program to Sigma Mu Mu.  As a decorated Vietnam War veteran himself, he has actively participated in the program for five years. In the words of Brother Jackson, “The Honor Flight Program is an excellent opportunity for us to honor and say thank you to underappreciated veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much for this country, and I am extremely grateful to the brothers of Sigma Mu Mu for their dedication and support.  For the Guardians it was a 14-hour work day, but for some of the veterans, it was a 22-hour day.  We just hope that we were able to show our appreciation and give them one of the best experiences of their lifetimes.”