Saluting a life of service for Honor Flight veterans

Last weekend, another plane full of United States heroes and veterans traveled from Mitchell Airport in Milwaukee, WI, to Dulles International Airport, near Washington, D.C., as part of the latest Stars and Stripes Honor Flight.   

And eight LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from four states were there to see them off and welcome them home, cheering on the former service members in both locations in appreciation of their courage, bravery, and dedication. 

This time, 53 veterans were on board for the trip, including 8 women, one Korean War vet, and one who served in World War II. Of the eight female service members, four were nurses and were recognized by the Nurse Honor Guard in Washington. 

The Comfort Dogs and their handlers created a warm, meaningful atmosphere with many of the service members reaching out for pets and hugs. 

“We had an amazing morning greeting the Stars and Stripes veterans as they arrived here in Virginia,” one handler with Amos Comfort Dog said. “I continue to be amazed at just how many veterans they are able to send here each year! What a privilege your teams have to live and serve among so many heroes.”

Another handler shared that Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 2:3 rang true. 

“‘In humility, value others above yourselves.’ We witnessed those words in action,” the handler said. “As I shook hands with a Vietnam War Veteran and Purple Heart recipient, he thanked me for being there before I could thank him. The Purple Heart means that our freedom came at a very personal cost and his humility spoke volumes about the character of those who have served our nation so selflessly.”

The encounter and entire experience is often humbling for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog volunteers. To be reminded that the nation’s service members wear their sacrifices quietly evokes deep feelings of gratitude.  

LCC expresses thanks for K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield - Brookfield, WI), Gethsemane (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, IL), Mary and Rejoice (St. Paul’s – Janesville, WI), Sage (Concordia University Wisconsin - Mequon, WI), and Samson (Zion - Marengo, IL), who honored veterans at Milwaukee’s Mitchell Airport, as well as Comfort Dogs Amos (Our Savior’s Way – Ashburn, VA) and Kezia (Emmanuel – Baltimore, MD), which served at Dulles Airport in Virginia. 

Alongside their handlers, these dogs offered comfort, calm, and heartfelt connection during a day filled with emotion and reflection.

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