Honor Flight: A Vet's Wish is Given Flight

By: Dave Jones

Honor Flight is a charity program that fills a big wish in a War Veteran's life — they put the Vet on a plane full of other veterans and fly them off to Washington, D.C., where they're given a day full of public recognition and visits to the war memorials and other important sites that serve to magnify the glory of their great courage and responsibility in times of armed conflict.

One of the proud and thankful Vets on that flight from Chicago yesterday morning was Paul Genova, a long-time resident of The Kenwood/Lakeview and a veteran participant in the weekly Discussion Group activities conducted by Connected Living.

Veteran Paul posing with some War Memorabilia 

Paul as a young soldier

Paul is always eager to share his stories, his splendid displays of life and war mementos, and his relentlessly cheerful good humor.

On the Connected Living Network site, Paul posted a wonderful story of his Wartime experience in the South Pacific and Japan — including a special rendezvous with beautiful 1940s movie star Carole Landis during a USO stop. Paul still beams most beatifically when sharing that particular perfumey tale. 

Paul was happy to share his good news with his friends and neighbors at this week's Resident Spotlight presentation, where afterward he met with resident Nora Casey to help her celebrate the delightful "This Is Your Life" story that was shown to honor her tales of her life as an "American Colleen." 

Paul and Nora after her Resident Spotlight

"Guess I'd better get to bed and get some rest," Paul beamed after making his announcement.

Yesterday morning at 3 o'clock, Paul was met by his son, John, and taken to O'Hare airport, where John and Paul boarded their Honor Flight together...

Paul and his son, John

We can't wait to hear more about Paul's experience on his Honor flight!