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Guardians undergo online training prior to the flight to ensure the safety of their veterans, many of whom have health issues or need wheelchairs. Guardians, volunteers, guests, and journalists also pay for their own flights, hotels, and meals. Priority on Honor Flights is given to veterans of World War II and Korea, and the terminally ill, followed by Vietnam veterans in order of their age. Russ Loftman of Rancho Santa Fe, who at 97 was the senior veteran on the flight, was assisted by his grandson Will Modine, a sergeant in the National Guard. Loftman was just 17 when he enlisted in the Navy during World War II. After the war, he earned multiple college degrees and spent more than 60 years in the evolving aerospace industry. Retired Marine Corps. Brigadier General Mike Neil, a Vietnam War hero, was escorted by his son Sean. Neil enlisted in the Marine Corps after graduating from law school at the University of California, Berkeley, earning a Navy Cross and Purple Heart for his bravery under enemy fire in Vietnam. He also had a long career as an attorney. Neil returned to active duty as Commanding General of Camp Pendleton for nine months during Operation Desert Storm. Retired Air Force Major Neil Black was held captive in Hanoi for 2,703 days — nearly eight years — after his helicopter was shot down during a valiant attempt to rescue a downed pilot. Black was just 20 years old at the time. Asked how he survived — including eight months over the years in solitary confinement — Black had a simple reply: "By the grace of God." He was released during Operation Homecoming in 1973. "It was absolutely joyful, coming back home, setting foot on American soil," he remembers. "It was without words. I had tears in my eyes." Black earned his pilot wings on C-130 transport planes, became an instructor pilot, attended Russian language school, and had a classified assignment in East Germany before retiring as a major. His battle buddy on the trip was Paul Seitz, whom he had never met, but they soon became fast friends. Roger Rhodes, an 86-year-old retired Navy cryptologist in Escondido, was paired with guardian Bob Kamensky, chief executive officer of Feeding San Diego. Kamensky had a distinguished 35-year career in the Navy, retiring as a rear admiral after serving as vice commander of U.S. Submarine Forces and as Commander of Submarine Forces NATO. Despite an 18-year age difference, the two veterans quickly found common ground and shared some remarkable coincidences. Kamensky's father had also served as a cryptologist; Rhodes and Kamensky both once lived in San Angelo, Texas, home of the cryptology school where Kamensky's dad taught; and both men had ties to the nuclear-powered submarine the USS Drum. Rhodes helped build the sub, and 13 years later, Kamensky served aboard it, his first assignment in the Navy. e next morning, veterans, battle buddies, and volunteers boarded an Alaska Airlines charter at Lindbergh Field. Airport personnel applauded the veterans, and the ground crew waved American flags as the plane left the ramp and taxied toward the runway. Once airborne, a highlight of the flight was "mail call," a tradition cherished by homesick servicemen and servicewomen over the decades. Each honoree was surprised with a thick package of letters, notes, and cards from well-wishers from all over the country: school children, scout troops, sports teams, veterans groups, and more. "ank you so much for your service and sacrifice. You are loved and forever in our hearts," read one of the notes from Aimee in Dunnellon, Florida. ere were also personal letters, notes, and cards from family and friends that drew smiles, laughter, and tears. When the plane landed at Baltimore/Washington International Airport, water cannons greeted the flight, along with "Squire Frederick" Taylor, the official Town Crier of Annapolis, dressed in 1700s garb. "God bless our veterans. God bless America," he shouted. "Land of the free because of the brave!" School children and supporters cheered and clapped as veterans, many with walkers or in wheelchairs, headed down the ramp into the terminal. Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Dwight Wait of Carlsbad, who was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses for his service in Vietnam and later served in the California Air National Guard, was met by son Tyler, his battle buddy, as well as daughter Kristen and son Bryon, both of whom flew separately to join the tour. Coincidentally, Wait's nephew Nathan, >> Vietnam vet Neil Black and battle buddy Paul Seitz Battle buddy Bob Kamensky with veteran Roger Rhodes Veteran Dwight Wait and family at the Marine Corps Memorial @ranchandcoast