Reaching 10,000 - Emeline Golden, Vietnam Era

Honor Flight Columbus is proud to be flying our 10,000th Veteran to Washington D.C. on October 10, 2024. To commemorate this significant milestone, we will be sharing the inspiring stories of 10 Veterans. Each story we share will represent 1,000 of the 10,000 Veterans we have had the honor of flying. Follow along as we honor, share, and celebrate the heroes of our country.

Emeline Golden was born the middle child of her family on August 7, 1945. She had 10 brothers and 2 sisters, most of whom served in the military. Golden enlisted herself after having been out of school for about a year working in Hancock, MD at London Fog, a raincoat company. With so many of her siblings having served in the military, she was familiar with the idea and spoke with a recruiter to enlist in the army.

Golden was sent to complete her basic training in Fort McClellan, Alabama in September of 1964. She remembers basic fondly sharing that if people were to thank her for being there, she would have responded, “thank you for having me.” The organization and regimental activities appealed to her, and she appreciated the routine. After completing basic and service school at Fort Sam in Houston, Texas as a medical corpsman, she was assigned to Fort Mead, MD. She was sent to work at the OB ward at Kimbrough Army Hospital. This was a new experience for her, and it was especially difficult at times when families did not have a healthy birth to celebrate.

Eventually, she asked to be reassigned to the ER. Golden enjoyed the work in the ER and took a lot of pride in being able to help the community in this way. She met several people in the medical corps while working in the ER who were shipped off to Vietnam. She was informed that they never made it, as their helicopter had been shot down before it could land. Though this certainly was a challenging blow to her experience, her work as a medic there was fulfilling. At this time, medics in the ER were able to do a lot of the same work that nurses did. Golden’s assignment at Kimbrough not only gave her interesting work, but it was there she met her husband, Ray, who also served in the army.

After three years of service, Golden was discharged on September 28, 1967. She was also four months pregnant. Ray was still in the army and the couple moved to Laurel, MD to be close to where he was stationed. While Golden was no longer in the military herself, her service to the country continued. Ray served in the military for 22 years. The family was stationed in Japan for a time at Camp Oji, Camp Zama, and Tachikawa where her son was born. Though they were moved from place to place, she had friends who seemed to always follow. Jim and Janet were similarly stationed alongside the Goldens. Golden commented that her life in the military was good. She moved to Ohio just three years ago, and has joined us in calling this great state home.

When asked about what Golden would share with the next generation she said,

“I was raised in Hancock, Maryland, and I wasn't exposed to a lot of different people. [But] in the Army.  You learn to depend on each other…  You learn to love each other, back each other up, keep care of each other, and you learn that camaraderie.”

She believes that every child should see the war memorials in Washington DC to understand what our Veterans have done for this country.

Golden has not yet taken her Honor Flight but is scheduled to be on the October 10th flight where we will celebrate flying our 10,000th Veteran. She said she is excited most about the people she will meet and was “tickled pink” about being booked on the flight. In addition to the Vietnam Wall, the Korean War Memorial has a special place in her heart as she lost a cousin during the conflict.

She shared with us that if she could, she would still fight for our country today. Her bravery and valor represent so many Veterans who would say the very same thing. Honor Flight Columbus is eager to honor Golden with her flight—a well deserved experience.

Reaching 10,000 - David Caldwell, WWII Veteran

Honor Flight Columbus is proud to be flying our 10,000th Veteran to Washington D.C. on October 10, 2024. To commemorate this significant milestone, we will be sharing the inspiring stories of 10 Veterans. Each story we share will represent 1,000 of the 10,000 Veterans we have had the honor of flying. Follow along as we honor, share, and celebrate the heroes of our country.

David Caldwell was born to David Thompson and Helen Adelgunde Caldwell on April 25, 1923 in Pennsylvania. By 1930, the family had moved to Columbus, Ohio. Caldwell was the eldest of two children, including a sister Mary who was four years his junior. He attended North High School in Columbus for four years, graduated in 1941 and declared his intention to attend Ohio State University. Around this time, Caldwell met the love of his life, Dorothy Eleanor Ohlendorf. The pair met in church and soon became a couple. However, instead of finishing his college degree and settling into the domestic life in Columbus, Caldwell followed the call of his country.

By 1942, the United States had joined the Allied forces to fight against the Axis powers (Germany, Italy and Japan). In January, Japanese forces began attacking the Philippines and the Allied forces set up a combined force in the south-west Pacific known as ABDA (American, British, Dutch, and Australian). War in the Pacific theatre was in full swing. At the age of 19, Caldwell registered for the draft in 1942. Just two years later, in 1944 at the age of 21, he enlisted at Ft. Thomas Newport, Kentucky. Caldwell was part of the 5th Air Force Bomber Crew, 380th Bombardment Group stationed in the Pacific Theater. When he became attached to the 531st Bombardment Squadron, unit had been moved to Murtha Strip, San Jose, Mindoro Island, and the Philippines where they joined the remaining parts of the 5th Air Force in attacks on Formosa, Indo China, Japanese areas of the Philippines, and China. Caldwell himself, was stationed in the Philippines. He was a Tail Gunner on the B-24 aircraft, “Free for All!!!” under Aircraft Commander Leonard Mincks.

The 380th Bombardment Group were known as the Flying Circus and King of the Heavens. Groups were formed around the operational use of specific aircraft. In this case, the B-24 Liberator Bomb was utilized for heavy bombardment related to reconnaissance missions. Caldwell’s role as tail gunner meant that he was responsible for the defense of his aircraft during missions. This dangerous position gave tail gunners a short life expectancy. Some sources say life expectancy for tail gunners was six to eight weeks, others say only about four flights, or two weeks. Despite the dangers of his deployment, Caldwell continued to stay connected to his life back home. In one letter, he included a poem detailing how he felt about being so far away from her:

“Memories”

I’ll always remember the nite I went away,

I wondered then would I see her again someday?

The miles between us are very great,

And she is so far away…

Although we’re apart, she seems nearer everyday.

I think of the many happy times we had,

Of starry evenings, moonlit skies…

The times I held her hand.

We forgot the world, the war and strife,

We were young, happy, and just beginning life.

I think of a beautiful smiling girl,

With laughing eyes and a golden curl.

Of the times I held her in my arms,

And told her of her many charms.

The softness of her lips, the fragrance of her hair…

The many times I told her how much I care.

We’ve faced death in flak infested skies,

Always, I see her lovely face before my very eyes.

And then, the thought returns to me again…

Will I see her again someday, and when?

Caldwell was fortunate to survive the missions his crew embarked on and eventually flew home to Dorothy. Not everyone in his crew was given the same opportunity. Under Minck as part of the 115 crew, Caldwell’s comrades in the positions of Pilot, Navigator, and Radio Operator were killed on September 8, 1845 somewhere between the mission’s destination and where they were stationed. This was only one month before the entire crew was to take part in Operation Sunset.

October 18, 1945 Operation Sunset ordered the return of aircrafts and their crew to the United States. This included Caldwell and the rest of the crew of the Free For All!!!. Staff Sergeant David Caldwell was honorably discharged in 1946. Having finished his service, Caldwell began a career in the grocery business in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Caldwell finally married Dorothy on June 6, 1949 in their hometown of Columbus. Together they had four children. They continued their lives in Columbus and Caldwell finally retired after 70 years in the grocery business in 2003.

Six years later, Caldwell took his Honor Flight with Honor Flight Columbus on November 7, 2009 (Mission 29). He joined other World War II Veterans on the trip of a lifetime to see his memorial in Washington D.C. As the 15th anniversary of his flight approaches, Honor Flight Columbus continues to operate under the very same mission it did when it first began.

“To honor America’s senior Veterans with a trip to Washington D.C. to visit the nation’s memorials. To help them share their stories, To celebrate and affirm their service and homecoming.”

Caldwell passed away May 25, 2018 just after his 95th birthday. In a letter he wrote to Honor Flight Columbus, Caldwell stressed the importance of participating in an Honor Flight:

“I want to sincerely thank you… Honor Flight for the great flight to D.C. to see the World War II memorial… I was pleased to see young people involved they have to get involved because if they don’t stand up for America our freedoms… will be taken away. For hundreds of years we have fought and many have died to protect our country and our freedoms.”

The memory of Caldwell is made up of sacrifice, honor, and love. He wrote to Honor Flight Columbus another letter detailing the beauty and grace of his late wife of 55 years. While his country meant a lot to him, it was Dorothy who held his heart. She came before, during, and after his service to his country—and perhaps, she was a motivating reason he wanted so much to protect his country.

2023 Third Quarter Newsletter

Our newsletter is for HFC veterans and their families, guardians, volunteers, donors, and our many other supporters. If you wish to be added or removed from our newsletter list, please let us know by sending an email to info@honorflightcmh.org.

At the time of this newsletter, we have 343 veterans on our waiting list. Our fall flights have been booked. Our 2024 Flight Schedule will be announced around Christmas time. We will start booking our 2024 Spring flights in mid-January. As of Mission 124 on September 7, 2023, we have served 9,011 veterans since 2007! REMAINING FALL FLIGHTS: Mission 125: September 28, 2023 - Sponsor: OhioHealth & Grateful Americans Mission 126: October 19, 2023 - Sponsor: Ragan/McNamara Families Mission 127: November 2, 2023 - Sponsor: Battelle Mission 128: November 9, 2023 - Sponsor: Nationwide Thank you to our 2023 Spring Flight Sponsors: Vance Outdoors, Columbus Regional Airport Authority, All Life Foundation, and the City of Dublin (Washington Twp. Fire, Dublin Schools, and the Nick Rozanski Memorial Foundation.)

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$123,500! Thank you to: Vance Outdoors, Inc. and their loyal customers for contributing to the Fill The Plane Campaign this year and every year!

Auto Smarts Radio for their production of the 8th Annual Obetz Car Show and for your continued support in promoting HFC!

Loyal partners Westerville Automotive, Cruisin Classics, and Columbus Pest Control Inc. for your continued support of the Vance Outdoors’ sponsorship!

Old Goats Car Club for your support and for raising money to cut Boots Longenette’s beard!

The 132 car entries for the Vance car show. Thank you for bringing your cars to the show and support HF each year!

Thank you from Honor Flight Columbus and Honor Flight Tri-State for your continued support to send our senior veterans on the trip of a lifetime. Thank you!

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John Glenn International Runway 5K Run & Walk The 5th John Glenn International Airport Runway 5K Run & Walk was on Saturday, September 16. Thank you to all the participants, volunteers, spectators, and sponsors who took part and made the event possible. Thanks to all of you, the Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) Community Fund is able to donate $75,000 to sponsor a flight in 2024! The previous four races have raised over $250,000 combined - thank you CRAA!

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16th Annual Honor Flight Columbus Reunion What a day we had! The 16th Annual Honor Flight Columbus Reunion was such a success at our new venue, The Ohio History Center. Thank you to our Reunion Leadership Team and our countless, loyal volunteers who made this day happen. The Veterans truly enjoyed themselves and that is what matters…it’s all about the Veterans!

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Veteran Eligibility As shared in past newsletters, we have changed our veteran eligibility for our missions. Honor Flight Columbus accepts applications from veterans who are age 65 and over and who have served at least one day of full-time active duty (outside of any basic training active duty). As always, World War II, Korean War, and qualified Veterans with a terminal illness will be moved to the front of the line of the earliest flight for which they are ready, willing and able. Veteran applications, details regarding Veteran eligibility, and flight information are available on our website and/or by emailing veterans@honorflightcmh.org. Click here for our Veteran Application

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Veteran Ambassador Program From time to time we receive requests to have HFC Veterans come to schools and organizations to speak about their Honor Flight and to encourage other veterans to participate. Would you be interested in being a “Veteran Ambassador” for Honor Flight Columbus? If so, please reach out to Beth Johnson, Executive Director, at beth@honorflightcmh.org or 614-284-4987.

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Volunteer Opportunities Our Outreach Team has over 50 "info table" events from the middle of August to the end of November. We are in need of volunteers to be at these events promoting HFC! Running an info table is not hard work. You get to meet some incredible Veterans and share your knowledge of HFC with them and pass out info cards and Veteran applications. If you would like to be on the Outreach Team for the Fall 2023 Events, send an email to Volunteers@honorflightcmh.org for more information and the detailed listing of these events.

Regional Volunteers Are you passionate about the Mission of Honor Flight Columbus? Are you interested in becoming a part of our Regional Volunteer Program? Honor Flight Columbus serves a regional territory of 36 Ohio Counties - Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Crawford, Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Hocking, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox, Lawrence, Licking, Marion, Meigs, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Richland, Ross, Scioto, Tuscarawas, Union, Vinton, Washington, and Wyandot. We need volunteers in these counties to help with info tables at fairs and festivals, to walk in parades, and to help with other events. We also need help to find organizations within these counties that can help spread the word about HFC's mission. Honor Flight Columbus will continue to fly Veterans as long as there are Veterans who are interested in going. You can help us connect with other senior Veterans! If you would like more information, please email the office at info@honorflightcmh.org. Mail Call Solicitors Team Our Veterans LOVE the mail they receive on their flight. To have Mail Call, we need Mail Call Solicitors. These volunteers reach out to the veteran's alternate contact and give all of the information needed to have mail sent in for our veterans. There is a need for more volunteers for the Fall 2023 flights. You can also get on the list for the 2024 Flight Season. To sign up to help, email volunteers@honorflightcmh.org. Veteran Call Team Members We have a great team of Veteran Call Team members who reach out to our veterans and are the first phone call on their Honor Flight adventure. All of our flights have been booked for Fall 2023, but if you would like to get on the list for the Spring 2024 flights, send an email to veterans@honorflightcmh.org. We would like to have veterans or guardians who have been on a flight to be on the Veteran Call Team. Veteran Caretaker Program From time to time, we hear of a veteran who declines their trip because of the need to stay home because they are a caretaker of a loved one. We want to gauge interest in having a Caretaker Program where we could have pre-screened volunteers available to help where needed so that a veteran could attend their flight. If you would like more information, contact Beth Johnson - beth@honorflightcmh.org.

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Connecting With Veterans We want to be able to share the HFC Mission and opportunity with every qualified Veteran and maintain relationships with our Alumni Veterans. To accomplish that goal, we have a monthly event at Motts Military Museum: **Honor Flight Day at Motts Military Museum** On the 4th Saturday of the month we will have an HFC Day at Motts Military Museum. This will be a time to come out to Motts to enjoy fellowship with other Veterans and to enjoy the museum. HFC will have an informational table set up at the museum with Veteran applications and info cards. Motts is giving a discount on admission. The cost will be $7 for anyone who mentions they are with HFC. Their normal cost is $12 for general admission and $10 for Veterans and seniors. HFC won’t be covering the cost of admission. Those coming would pay for their own admission. Dates and Times: Saturday, September 23 – 10 am to 1 pm Saturday, October 28 - 10 am to 1 pm Saturday, November 25 - 10 am to 1 pm Motts Military Museum is located in Groveport - address: 5075 S Hamilton Rd, Groveport, 43125 If you have questions regarding these events, contact the office - 614-284-4987 or info@honorflightcmh.org.

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Upcoming Fundraiser We are looking for some volunteers for the "Bryant Hartman Memorial" event sponsored by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association 12-6. This event is on Saturday, October 7, in Cumberland, Ohio (roughly 90 miles from Columbus). Last year this event raised $25,000 for Honor Flight Columbus! If you would like more information, email the office at info@honorflightcmh.org.

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Thank you for your continued support of Honor Flight Columbus!

Sincerely,

Your Honor Flight Columbus Staff

Beth Johnson, Executive Director:

beth@honorflightcmh.org

Megan Jacob, Director, Veterans Operations:

megan@honorflightcmh.org

Karen Melroy-Oiler, Director, Volunteer Operations:

karen@honorflightcmh.org