Loving Neighbors, Honored Veterans; Elmhurst is Full of Beautiful People

When Marvin Mischnik returned home from World War II, his greeting was a banner at the airport—no fanfare and no welcoming crowds. 

On Wednesday night, when Mischnik returned from his Honor Flight, there were thousands of civilians and servicemen in attendance. Bands played, people danced, and Mischnik finally got a proper homecoming.

Honor Flight Chicago arranges trips to Washington, D.C., to honor veterans and thank them for their service, one "welcome home" and one plane load at a time.

Mischnik, of Elmhurst, joined dozens of other veterans on Wednesday's flight. At 94, he was the third-oldest.

"Marv lost his wife, Elaine, a few years ago. They had no children and he has no living relatives," said Mischnik's neighbor, Tim Koch. "We encouraged him to take this trip when the program began five years ago, but he was still going to his 3rd Armored Division reunions, so he took a pass."

But when those reunions stopped because the others had died, Mischnik agreed to sign up for Honor Flight, Koch said.

Koch woke up at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday to get Mischnik to Midway Airport by 4:15 a.m. And then they were off on the flight to Washington, D.C.

"Each stop was wonderful, with dozens of people greeting these World War II heroes along the way," Koch said. 

On the plane ride back to Midway, veterans were surprised to hear "Mail call!" just like when they served during the war. Friends, family and even strangers wrote letters thanking them for their service and sacrifice. Mischnik received at least 50 letters, Koch said.

When they returned to Midway, Mischnik was surprised to be greeted by thousands of people, Koch said, including Koch's daughters and his other family members.

Among those greeting the vets was a fellow veteran who served in Afghanistan and was injured in the line of duty, Tim's daughter Julie Koch said.

"So, tonight, a current soldier, Kirk Havens, will be able to thank and honor a soldier who went before him," Julie said via Facebook message Wednesday evening, before she left for Midway.

Julie's sister, Jennifer Koch, will always remember the homecoming.

"This was truly a memorable night for both Marv and all of us that went to welcome him and the other veterans home," she said.

It was hard to put into words, Tim Koch said.

"It was ineffable," he said. "It really had an impact on the vets and all in attendance."

But, even though the plane didn't get in until 9:30 p.m., and Tim and Marvin had been up since 2:30 a.m., the party didn't end there. Family and friends headed over to the Koch's Elmhurst home to continue the celebration until the wee hours of the morning.

It was a wonderful day, Tim Koch said.

"A great tribute to a great American that preserved our liberties," he said. "We'll go back to support vets on subsequent flights."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Get Elmhurst news in a daily email from Patch.com.
Like Elmhurst Patch on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.