28 December, 2017

“Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life...” ― Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning

I first learned of Honor Flight Central Coast California when a request was made that an Honor Guard send them off (out of the SLO Airport). I participated as a few flights left and returned. That, in and of itself, was impressive. Honor Flight Central Coast is part of a larger organization that flies veterans to Washington DC and visits war memorials.

It wasn’t until a few months ago when I was requested to fly with them to Washington DC that I began to understand, it wasn’t until the reunion that it all came together. I spent the better part of 3 days with everyday people like you and me who answered the call. Of people who stood and were counted. I saw the families that stood by them. I heard the stories of heroism and sacrifice. Community. I once read somewhere that we often demand answers from life, but perhaps life is demanding answers from us.

If you have ever had an inclination to volunteer for an organization like this, I could not be more clear: do it. Of all the lessons to be learned, the biggest one is that there are many ways to serve and the biggest impact you can make is exactly where you are. Be a brother, sister, neighbor, friend.

Please listen to their stories: