Last weekend, on May 30, Pine Bush High School senior Joseph Fontana had the experience of a lifetime. He served as a guardian on Hudson Valley Honor Flight Mission 39.

 

 

Joseph had the honor of accompanying Charles, a 77-year-old veteran from Peekskill, who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

 

The day began before sunrise with a police-escorted motorcade to Westchester County Airport, where the veterans and guardians received a celebratory send-off from family, friends, and supporters gathered in one of the airport hangars.

 

 

Upon arriving in Washington, D.C., Joseph and Charles spent the day visiting several of our nation’s most significant memorials, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. They also witnessed the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery, a moving and memorable experience. Throughout the day, they shared lunch and dinner together before returning to Westchester that evening.

 

 

Joseph had plenty of time to talk with Charles. Charles shared many stories, but one stood out. As a teenager, Charles unloaded produce trucks for a supermarket. When he enlisted, the Army assumed he had experience driving trucks and assigned him as a transporter. He drove supply trucks, carrying everything from food and fuel to ammunition and infantry. Charles remembered one drive where bullets were flying right past him. Hearing that story made it very real for Joseph. That was the moment he started to understand how bad Vietnam really was.

 

One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was the veterans’ “mail call” during the flight home. Each veteran received a large envelope filled with cards, letters, and drawings thanking them for their service, reminiscent of receiving mail from home while serving in the military.

 

Wanting to make this experience even more special for the veterans, Joseph reached out to his former elementary school principal, Eric Winter at Pine Bush Elementary, to ask whether students would be interested in creating cards, notes, and drawings for the veterans. Mr. Winter agreed to share Joseph’s request with the building’s teachers. Prior to the mission, Joseph picked up an envelope filled with student-created messages and included them in the veterans’ mail call packets.

 

The mission lasted approximately 16 hours, a long but meaningful day for sure. Joseph described it simply: “It was amazing!” He said it was an experience of a lifetime and one he will never forget.

Joseph’s parents are Peggy and Paul Fontana, who are incredibly proud of his initiative, compassion and commitment to honoring those who have served our country.

“This experience reflects the character, leadership, and sense of service that he has developed throughout his school years,” said his mom, Peggy.

Joseph plans to attend Marywood University after graduating this month, where he will pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Aviation Management while training to be a pilot.

Congratulations to Joseph on such an amazing honor and an even more extraordinary experience.