Thank you, Rep. Bobby Schilling, for your midnight walk at the airport welcoming back the World War II and Korean War veterans on their return trip of the Honor Flight from Washington, D.C. You walked among the veterans shaking many hands and personally thanking them for their military service. This did not go unnoticed.
You were the only elected politician or political candidate who took the time and effort to greet this band of heroes. For this, sir, as a Marine Korean War veteran, I personally thank you. I am sure the rest of the veterans are in agreement.
This extra effort and dedication to leave home at midnight to greet the veterans was not shared by other politicians. In this respect, you stand alone. I am sure the veterans and their families will show gratitude at election time.
Fred Frankville is a veteran from Milan, IL. This letter was first published in the Quad-City Times. For a schedule of future Illinois-based veteran Honor Flights, see their website.