World War II Veteran Reflects on Honor Flight Experience

This summer, over 12 “honorable flights” for war veterans are set to take place, and for a 100-year-old World War II veteran, one recent trip has checked a significant item off his bucket list.

In late April, Freddie Sta Coviak was among 114 veterans on “Mission #79,” departing from Milwaukee. Uniquely, he was the only soldier representing the group that helped secure victory in World War II.

Organizers for the Honor Flights mention that there are very few opportunities remaining.

The Honor Flight Network, a nonprofit initiative, focuses on transporting U.S. military veterans to Washington, D.C., providing them with free memorial experiences. Since its inception in 2005, the organization has honored over 317,000 veterans from various cities across the country.

Stachobiak recalls World War II vividly, reflecting on it during an interview with a local news outlet, admitting he didn’t find it particularly amusing.

While sitting with his great-grandson at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., he shared insights into his three years of service as an Army medic in the European theater.

He arrived in Normandy shortly after D-Day, back in the fall of 1944, and then was dispatched to Aaron, Belgium. At just 20, he was tasked with transporting injured soldiers to temporary medical facilities set up on the battlefield.

“I think it was a converted school that they turned into a hospital,” he said, remembering how they carried patients out of ambulances.

Recollecting one incident, he described how a soldier who had lost feeling in his legs was taken to the facility. “They had to cut it off,” he recounted, noting that the soldier seemed unaware of his fate.

When asked how a young person processes such scenes, Stachobiak simply stated, “You can’t.”

Reflecting on this, he noted, “You try to forget about it and focus on how lucky you are.” His great-grandson, Nick Stakobiak, expressed that Freddie might not see the importance of his role, but emphasized how crucial it was to get injured individuals the care they needed.

Many veterans often downplay their contributions during the war, making it hard for some to accept the honor of these flights, according to Karyn Roelke, president of Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. She stated, “The contribution you make when you leave your home and serve your country is important.”

For those interested in learning more about Honor Flights, including the schedule and volunteer opportunities, the organization’s website offers resources and information.