Tony Baleno, a 93-year-old resident of the Soldiers’ Home and former Navy Frogman (the previous name for a Navy Seal), hadn’t set foot on an airplane since 1946, when he returned to Boston from the European front following World War II. His late wife’s fear of flying meant the couple drove to all their destinations instead, according to Baleno.
That changed on Sunday when Baleno experienced an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.—a free, one-day excursion for World War II veterans to visit the World War II Memorial and other significant sites in the nation’s capital. The Honor Flight program, operating nationwide for several years through various chapters, primarily serves aging World War II veterans and provides them with a hero’s welcome at virtually every stop. Baleno holds the distinction of being the first Soldiers’ Home resident to participate in the program.
Jennifer DeCourcey, director of residential services at the Soldiers’ Home, accompanied Baleno on the journey, using her own funds to cover the cost. She recalled their earlier conversation about his flying history: “fblikebutton_button” “We’ve been talking about this a lot since May, and he told me one day the last time he flew was in 1946 on his way back from World War II. I asked him how he felt about flying after all these years, and he just said, ‘Can I have the window seat?'” DeCourcey considered the experience an extraordinary adventure for them both.
Military personnel, particularly from the Navy, accorded Baleno exceptional recognition throughout the day-long tour, which included 60 other veterans. His service record as a Navy Frogman at D-Day and Guadalcanal—serving in two theatres without ever being on a ship—generated considerable interest. According to DeCourcey, “wp-caption alignright” “The Navy people especially went crazy over him and everyone wanted their picture taken with him. There aren’t many Frogmen left and there weren’t many to start with, and everybody had heard of him. They all wanted pictures with him. He was at D-Day, he was at Guadalcanal – serving in two theatres – and he was never on a ship.”
The send-off at Logan Airport just before 5 a.m. proved deeply moving. High school JROTC members, military personnel, Boy Scouts, the Boston Police Gaelic Column, and volunteers greeted the veterans with the National Anthem and standing ovations as they entered the terminal. Similar receptions awaited them at every airport, with Midshipmen greeting them at Baltimore Airport. DeCourcey reflected on the experience: “wp-caption-text” “For me, that was the most inspiring part and I think Tony felt the same way. That send off and the welcome back was just unbelievable. Tony was so blown away by that. It was emotional to see all the kids, Boy Scouts and volunteers clapping and singing the National Anthem and thanking Tony for his service. Not only that, the same kind of reception was given to us at every other airport too. This was truly his day.”
In Washington, D.C., Baleno toured the World War II Memorial, which opened in 2004, with particular interest in locating the Massachusetts pillar. Visiting Arlington Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Korean War Memorial, and witnessing the changing of the guard followed. DeCourcey noted that “It can be a tough day for them on these trips because memories do come back. However, when we got to the actual Memorial, he was very excited to be there. He was really inspired. He didn’t show a lot of emotion, but was just happy to be there with all the other veterans who severed at the same time as he did. We took our time, and saw a lot of things, including Arlington Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Korean War Memorial and the changing of the guard.”
Soldiers’ Home resident Tony Baleno and Director of Residential Services Jennifer DeCourcey received a hero’s welcome at Logan Airport Sunday morning as they set out on a special Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
Six additional World War II veterans at the Soldiers’ Home meet the program’s eligibility requirements. DeCourcey expressed hope that Baleno’s positive experience would inspire them to apply. She stated, “Hopefully, all his excitement will work on the others too.”