World War II veterans make Ozark Honor Flight trips despite various maladies

April 13, 2011|by Steve Grant, KY3 News | sgrant@ky3.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Every planeload of veterans on Ozarks Honor Flight represents enough 'living history' to write another book about World War II. The latest trip is more proof that that's no exaggeration. It also was another reminder that time marches on.

Army veterans and twins Fray and Ray Hillhouse were together on this trip on Tuesday.

“We planned it that way,” said Fray Hillhouse.

Their mother also wanted it that way when World War II broke out and they were drafted.

“My mom tried to get us in together,” said Fray Hillhouse. “I went in on Sept. 2, 1942, and he went in on the 5th of September 1942, three days apart.”

Fray was assigned to the Radio Signal Corps from Egypt and Europe. Ray kept America's bomber fleet flying from England.

It was the other side of the world from Ozark County. When the war ended, Fray surprised Ray, showing up unannounced.

“They didn't tell me he was coming; he just walked in one day,” said Fray.

“The first thing we did was take a vacation in Scotland,” said Ray.

The Hillhouse twins just turned 90.

Every Ozarks Honor Flight illustrates what Gen. Douglas MacArthur said about old soldiers fading away. It adds a sense of urgency to every trip, because our time to salute them for their service and sacrifice to our country is fading even faster.

If the war didn't take its toll, birthdays have.

Navy veteran Bob Davis had been on the passenger waiting list since September.

“So, did you ever think, ‘Maybe I won't make it?’” a reporter asked Davis.

“Well, that crossed my mind,” he laughed. “I live day to day.”

Board member and flight team doctor Norm Knowlton was on the trip on Tuesday.

“(Many are in) wheelchairs, said Knowlton. “Just on this trip, we have pacemakers, we have total hips (replacement), total knees (replacement), heart disease, lung disease, diabetes.”

They still had the willpower to soldier on for this trip. Army veteran Vernon Martin is legally blind but still made the trip.

“Back in World War II, nobody was going across the border to Canada (deserting). They were men,” said Martin.

Teach us to number our days, the Good Book says, and especially to appreciate those whose days may be numbered.

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