Kaskaskia College hosted its annual Enduring Freedom celebration on Wednesday morning, hosting veterans and guests for breakfast and a ceremony in Jane Knight Auditorium. The guest speakers at this year’s ceremony were Joan Bortolon and Steve Wheeler of the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight organization.
Land of Lincoln Honor Flight is part of a nationwide network of organizations that provides World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans the chance to visit the war memorials in Washington, D.C. at no expense. Each veteran on the flight is joined by a volunteer guardian who accompanies them throughout the day.
Joan Bortolon talked about the importance of the flights as a way to honor those who put their lives at risk to protect the United States.
“There is nothing more noble than risking your life for your country,” Bortolon said, “and you are the most noble people we know, so thank you so much for everything that you’ve done for our country. That is the purpose of our organization, to make sure that you understand how much we individually and we as a citizenry appreciate what you’ve done for us.”
Steve Wheeler said the flights can mean a lot to veterans struggling with mental health.
“This trip means a lot to these veterans who have maybe some demons that have been with them for decades, that are struggling with certain things that they had to do in their service time, and this flight really helps these guys,” Wheeler said. “It’s rare that we don’t go by the Vietnam wall and there are three or four Vietnam veterans standing together with their arms around each other. They don’t know each other, but they do have their service in common, and they’re reflecting on that and healing, and it does help.”
Land of Lincoln honor flight began in 2009, and to date has flown 76 honor flights out of Springfield, serving more than 6200 veterans.
Also at the ceremony, a folded American flag was presented to Carl Huels in appreciation for the Standing Proud Veterans Tribute in Bartelso. KC President George Evans said Huels has set an example with his patriotism.
“I cannot think of anybody more deserving this year than Carl Huels of the Standing Proud Tribute, who has been involved in just about every scenario of giving back to our veterans,” Evans said. “From the creation of an amazing museum, to coordinating multiple events, to coordinating the flights with Steve and Joan, and just being an all-around all-American individual.”
Reverend Thomas Henegar gave the invocation and benediction for the event, KC student Grace Hummel sang the national anthem, and KC student Aiden Varel played Taps to close the ceremony.
Carl Huels briefly took the podium to express his gratitude after being presented with a folded American flag and recognized for his contributions to veterans. Photo by Austin Williams.
