pleased to introduce Naval Commander Nancy Williams to you today! Commander Williams helps with a program called Honor Flights. Be sure and watch the movies that follow the interview, as well--with tissues handy!Amber: Thank you for joining us today! To start, could you share with us a little bit about yourself and why you chose to join the U.S. military?
Commander Williams: I entered the USNR in 1986 through the Direct Commission Officer Program. I was able to come in as an ENS due to my degree and work experience. They asked for an 8 year commitment...that was 24 yrs ago and I'm still serving. I basically joined because I love my country. I graduated high school in 1971 at the end of Vietnam when no one was talking to us about serving our country. I went to college and became a teacher.
Amber: Thank you so much for serving our country with such dedication! Could you give us a brief description of the Honor Flight program you help with?
Commander Williams: Honor Flight Programs were the brain child of a group from Springfield, OH, who wanted WWII vets to be able to visit the newly finished Memorial in DC. It has grown nationwide with each state sponsoring their own flights. Here in AR Walmart and Tyson Foods are our sponsors for two flights annually. It is a charter flight taking about 100 veterans and 50 guardians for the one day trip. I accompanied my father on the first flight and volunteered to make calls and assign guardians, etc. I probably volunteer at least 30 days on each flight.
Amber: How long have you been involved with the Honor Flight programs, and how would you describe your overall experience?
Commander Williams: I began working with Bill McKenzie (Tyson Foods) in the spring of '09. It is - by far - the best use of my time. These veterans are so appreciative of the opportunity to make the trip. Many of them meet and establish friendships and social contacts with others like themselves.
I work part time at Lowe's here in Bentonville. We give a discount to veterans. This gives me a chance to "sell" the program to my customers. If they say they served during WWII I ask if they have heard of the flight, etc. This opens many doors and allows the information to get out.
Amber: It sounds like such a rewarding program for everyone involved! How have you seen God at work in your own life and in the lives of the WWII veterans you are serving?
Amber: It sounds like such a rewarding program for everyone involved! How have you seen God at work in your own life and in the lives of the WWII veterans you are serving?Commander Williams: I was raised in a Christian home and have never really known life without Christ. As an adult - aging adult..ha...I can't imagine how people function without giving God praise for all aspects of one's life.
Amber: Have you learned anything about humility during your own service to the United States or through helping with the Honor Flight programs?
Commander Williams: As I stated previously, the veterans and guardians (many are children of veterans) are so humbled by the flight and the care and love that is shown to them. When the flight is met at DCA uniformed personnel are in the Jetway. The veterans think this is the extent of the welcome. Tears begin to flow and they are so moved by the show of appreciation. Little do they know that waiting in the terminal can be over 100 people waving flags and clapping for them. The USO does an amazing job with the coordination of the flights. Sometimes 5 or 6 will come in on one day.
Amber: What a special experience! To conclude, how can we pray for you and all those in the United States military?
Commander Williams: Prayers for our leaders is an ongoing issue. We need to remember them and their power in the issues that will affect our future. So many of the military are so young...they have joined the military to support their families during this time of financial strain. The military is guaranteed salary and benefits during this desperate time. A 22 yr old Marine from Bentonville was killed last week. He has a wife. So sad.
Amber: May the Lord comfort the late Marine's family, and all those who have lost loved ones in the military.
Thank you for taking the time to visit with us today, and thank you for telling us more about this amazing program you help with!
Readers, CDR Williams shared these videos with me that talk about the Honor Flight programs. They are very moving, and they give just a glimpse of how meaningful these opportunities are for the veterans.
If you needed tissues for the one above, you might need them for this next video, too!
Very powerful!
(The pictures of the WWII Memorial are from my own trip to Washington D.C. this past summer.)
