Tschanz brothers take Badger Honor Flight

Bob, left, and brother, Dick Tschanz, are pictured at the Wisconsin Pillar at the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. during a recent Badger Honor Flight.

brothers honor flight — Bob, left, and brother, Dick Tschanz, are pictured at the Wisconsin Pillar at the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. during a recent Badger Honor Flight.

MONROE — Robert W. (Buck) Tschanz, longtime former Monroe resident, was selected to travel to Washington D. C. with 85 other veterans on the Badger Honor Flight that left Madison Dane County Airport Saturday, May 18.

Every veteran on the Badger Honor Flight is required to select a guardian that must remain with the veteran every minute of this trip. Each guardian had training prior making this trip. Bob selected his brother, Dick Tschanz, to accompany him as his guardian.

Upon arrival at Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C. the veterans were welcomed by hundreds of well wishers waving American flags and anxiously waiting to give a hug or shake hands and say thank you to the brave men and women who have served our country.

Bob Tschanz stands near the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. during a recent Badger Honor Flight May 18. Tschanz chose his brother, Dick, to be his guardian for the trip.

brothers honor flight 3 — Bob Tschanz stands near the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. during a recent Badger Honor Flight May 18. Tschanz chose his brother, Dick, to be his guardian for the trip.

The veterans on this Badger Honor Flight had served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. The veterans then loaded up on buses and toured Arlington National Cemetery, the United Air Force Memorial, the Women in Military Service for America, the Lincoln Memorial, The Viet Nam Veterans memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the national World War II Memorial, The United States Marine Corps Memorial and the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.

On the return flight home, each veteran was surprised with a mail call. They each received a mail call package with letters, cards, pictures and thank yous from family, friends and complete strangers. What a warm sobering feeling this was to be witness to.

It is near impossible to describe the huge gambit of emotions felt on this journey. Fear, joy, sorrow, hope and a tremendous sense of pride in visiting these various tributes and reminders that “Freedom Is Not Free.”

Bob, left, and brother, Dick Tschanz, are pictured at the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. during a recent Badger Honor Flight.

brothers honor flight 2 — Bob, left, and brother, Dick Tschanz, are pictured at the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. during a recent Badger Honor Flight.

As one’s emotions were on a fast paced roller coaster ride touring these memorials one of the most moving was upon return home to Dane County Airport. There were sheriff’s department and military color guards standing at attention, bands playing, current military service personnel to escort each returning veteran down the escalator through the crowds and thousands of people waving American flags, cheering, crying, hugging, reaching out a hand to shake and shouting thank you to these deserving men and women who have served.

The incredible amount of planning, organization and execution of this trip would not be possible without the hundreds of willing volunteers who donate their time and effort to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of the veterans. There are also many sponsors for the event so there is no cost to the veterans.

Bob served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Niagara Falls from 1968 to 1969 and returned to Monroe with his son Jason Tschanz whom recently completed 21 years in the United States Marine Corps.

They both currently reside in North Carolina.

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