Freeport Man Takes Part in Honor Flight [VIDEO]

A few months ago we told you about the wonderful Honor Flight organization and the new Rock River Valley Chapter, which works in partnership with the Veterans Network Committee Honor Flight hub in McHenry.

At the time, the local chapter just had begun fundraising efforts to send 6 veterans from the Rock River Valley for their inaugural trip to D.C. We asked, if possible, that you help get these veterans to Washington to visit their memorials.

Now, thanks in part to your assistance, we have a wonderful story to share. The Chicago Tribune reported this weekend on a Freeport Vietnam Vet taking part in this Honor Flight. Jim Pudlas is a 70-year-old Purple Heart recipient, who recently was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. The Trib gives us a little background on his story:

Pudlas has not been one to remain silent. He talks about his experiences as an Army combat medic all the time, he said. Seeing the memorial might help "put it all behind me."

When drafted in 1968, he was married and considered one of the older soldiers. He was 25 when wounded by a piece of shrapnel in July 1969, which earned him a Purple Heart. He was also awarded a Bronze Star Medal for valor because he cared for wounded soldiers while suffering his own injury, his daughter, Tina Pudlas, said.

The trip treated a total of 24 veterans to a three-day Honor Flight excursion to the Washington monuments at a cost of $40,000. You can find more info or discover how you can help at the McHenry County Honor Flight Hub.