Local WWII vet takes Honor Flight

By Kat Bryant Grays Harbor News Group • October 2, 2019 1:30 am
Photo courtesy O’Hagan family Family members Daniel O’Hagan, left, and Jenny Vinson greeted John O’Hagan, seated, after his Honor Flight.
Photo courtesy O’Hagan family Family members Daniel O’Hagan, left, and Jenny Vinson greeted John O’Hagan, seated, after his Honor Flight.

By Kat Bryant

Grays Harbor News Group

World War II veteran John O’Hagan, 99, of Markham, participated in a recent “honor flight” to Washington, D.C.

Puget Sound Honor Flight sponsors these three-day trips several times each year to honor those who served in World War II, Korea or Vietnam. While in D.C., they visit memorials specifically dedicated to their service.

O’Hagan, who served on the Navy destroyer USS Wadsworth, was one of 20 WWII vets on the Sept. 14-16 trip (along with 19 who served in Korea and 11 who served in Vietnam). His son Mike accompanied him.

“It was very fast-paced. They wanted to get everybody to the most locations and memorials possible,” said Mike. “He really had a good time through the whole trip — and he sure did eat well!”

Travel, accommodations and meals for each veteran are fully funded by individual donations and corporate sponsors including Alaska Airlines and Hilton. A tax-deductible fee applies to an accompanying guardian, according to the Honor Flight website.

Western Washington veterans interested in taking a future Puget Sound Honor Flight may download an application from PugetSoundHonorFlight.org. Those with terminal illnesses are being given priority.

Local WWII vet takes Honor Flight