Local vet takes Honor Flight to D.C.

Ekalaka resident Les Poland recently returned from an unforgettable trip. The short, three-day journey was an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. that allowed him and around 25 other military veterans the opportunity to visit many of the area's memorials.

"It was a very humbling experience," Poland said about the trip. "I was not for want of anything."

Poland told the Eagle on Wednesday that the only stipulation to going on an Honor Flight to D.C. is being a veteran. Additionally, a spouse or companion can accompany a veteran on the trip for a mere $500.

Honor Flight is a national nonprofit network formed in 2005 that aims to honor older and terminally-ill veterans by flying them to D.C., free of charge, and coordinating visits to ten memorials.

"I didn't spend a dime," he said, "And all veterans can go. Everything is 100 percent handicap accessible."

Since its founding, Honor Flight says it has sponsored flights to D.C. for more than 245,000 veterans, and currently serves about 22,000 vets a year, focusing on WWII, Vietnam, and Korean War-era vets. Honor Flight trips provide veterans with the opportunity to visit the memorials in D.C. alongside fellow veterans while telling their stories, sharing camaraderie, and receiving well-deserved recognition from a grateful nation. The Honor Flight Network's goal is to ensure that every veteran has the opportunity to be honored for their service by participating in the trip.

There were around forty veterans on Poland's trip, and he estimates about 6 were from Montana. The Montana crew flew out of Billings on October 3rd. Upon arrival, all of the veterans were treated to what Poland described as somewhat of a banquet. They spent the remainder of the evening getting acquainted. The following day was comprised of visiting several military memorials, the Tomb of the Unnamed Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery and more. The group stayed at The Hilton. Poland was back in Montana on October 5th.

"The tour guides were great. They gave good narratives and had a sense of humor," he said.

Poland was so happy with his trip that he is now considering becoming a liaison for Honor Flight. He encourages any interested veterans to contact him if they want to learn more.

"I'd known about it [Honor Flight] for about twenty years. A friend of mine from Circle, a WWII vet, went around 12 years ago. I put in to go a year ago and got asked to go about a month ago. People can call me or Jacki if they have questions. We'd be happy to help and speak about the trip."

Les Poland and his wife, Jacki, moved to Ekalaka over one year ago. He said they made the move because they wanted to join a smaller community. Prior to Ekalaka, the couple lived in various towns throughout Montana. Poland grew up in eastern South Dakota.

The Honor Flight Network is comprised of 129 Honor Flight Hubs around the country. Not every area is serviced by a regional Hub. The Lone Eagle Honor Flight ensures that all veterans, regardless of their geographic location in the U.S., are able to participate in an Honor Flight trip.

Most local vets who want to apply for Honor Flight will want to contact the Lone Eagle Honor Flight hub at (939) 521-2400 or [email protected]. The hub's website is https://loneeagle.honorflight.org. Donations to Honor Flight can be made on the website; the nonprofit says it costs about $1,000 per vet to make the trip.

Les and Jacki Poland can be reached at 406-775-3545.