by lyn craig
Every Thursday morning in a large hall at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles there is a gathering of former World War II bomber pilots, decorated Korean War flight heroes and other distinguished resident veterans—as well as a few area supporters who come just to hear their stories.
Ranging in age from recently retired to quite elderly, these men—and a woman or two—call themselves “The High Flier’s Club.” The informal group comes together to allow American veterans to reminisce about their military service, share common experiences and enjoy the camaraderie of others who have a ready understanding of what they’ve gone through as pilots in military combat and in service for the country.
In doing so, a sense of heroic duty of days long past is kept alive, and their experiences are not forgotten. The gathering seems to help foster a sense of acceptance of life-risking experiences shared by these select members of society who have protected the country with keen eyes, nerves of steel and brave hearts.
These veteran pilots speak lightly of their intense experiences during active military combat, such as serving as a prisoner of war for several years, shooting down a dozen enemy planes on different continents during U.S. military engagements, or surviving a hasty jump from a burning plane. Their stories are vivid, colorful, frightening and true.
“Each pilot who has come to join our table has given us a synopsis of his or her military service,” John Sullivan said. He is a 91-year-old resident of the Oregon Veterans’ Home. “Then each time we would go around the table and each person would tell the newcomer of his or her own experience.
“As the years have gone on, we’ve noticed that some of the stories have become a little more colorful than when first told,” he joked. “But truly, the people at this table are real American heroes.”
