Family of veterans participates in Flag City Honor Flight

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - It was a family reunion in Washington, as veteran Tom Chalfin received a surprise visit from his son during the Flag City Honor Flight.

“I’ve been to the wall probably six or seven times,” Tom Chalfin said. “This is the first time that i’ve had this much family with me, and it’s great.”

Tom’s son Steve, who made the visit from South Carolina, is a veteran as well.

“I mean it’s really a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Chalfin said. “ I just couldn’t pass it up, once I heard the honor flight was getting my dad and my uncle.”

Uncle Steve Chalfin, Tom’s brother, who also served in the military was able to make the trip as well. Steve and Tom’s daughters also served as chaperones.

But their minds were often on those who couldn’t make it.

“So many people represented, and it’s very humbling, and it gets you real deep inside,” Uncle Steve Chalfin said. “It gets you real deep inside.”

The family recommends the trip for all veterans, even though it can be painful.

“Worth coming back every time just to refresh what your deep feelings are,” Steve Chalfin said. “Revisit your deep feelings. Because we hide them a lot.”

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