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Local Legion post sends 14 vets on Freedom Honor Flight
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By Tom Murphy
Caledonia Argus
There were 14 World War II veterans from the Caledonia area who flew on the Freedom Honor Flight from La Crosse to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, Oct. 8. The purpose was to have this generation of veterans see the monuments that stand in their honor.
Taking advantage of the free flight were Henry Frank, Ervin Barth, Arlyn Ranzenberger, John Smerud, Gilbert Meiners, Gerald Noel, Joe McCarthy, Merle Johnson, Del Cochran, Chuck Rollins, Stanley Engen, Leland Larson, Gordon Tippman, and Bob Hosch.
Transportation was coordinated by Loveless-Eikens American Legion Post #191. Arne Beneke donated the use of his bus. Legion Commander Joel Boone organized the local veterans.
They gathered at the Veterans Club here before 5 a.m., Wednesday. Arriving at a charter terminal at the La Crosse airport, the group joined other veterans, volunteer guardians, and others on a 757 airplane.
In addition to the flight, the veterans enjoyed three meals on the all expenses paid trip. Donations are being accepted locally to help offset the cost. A tax deductible donation check made payable to the Freedom Honor Flight is welcome. Please mail the check to The American Legion, P.O. Box 326, Caledonia, MN 55921.
“The checks are routed through a 501 (c) (3) organization,” said Commander Boone. “A sponsorship for one of the veterans is $450,” he said.
“It was a great trip,” said Joe McCarthy. “We saw all of the memorials. I was very happy it went so well.” The veterans were home by 10:15 p.m. McCarthy was welcomed at the terminal by his wife Mary and some of his children and grandchildren, too.
McCarthy’s leg is bothering him, so he chose use of a wheelchair while in Washington. Patty Loken of Holmen volunteered as a guardian for him and Chuck Rollins. There was a volunteer for every two veterans on the trip.
McCarthy entered the Navy in March, 1945. Even though the war ended in Europe a few months later, McCarthy found himself on a train expecting to get on a ship to go fight against Japan. “We were waiting to take that ship in Bremerton, Washington, when the atomic bomb was dropped on Japan,” he said.
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