JWV Post 619 past Commander Chuck Wolin and his son, MGySgt Ken Wolin, USMC, who served as his guardian, visit the Lone Sailor monument on a free, three-day Honor Flight Arizona trip to Washington, D.C.
Nancy Stutman
Chuck Wolin, 86-year-old past commander of Jewish War Veterans (JWV) Copper State Post 619, recently returned from his trip of a lifetime. Honor Flight Arizona sent JWV’s U.S. Navy 2nd Class Petty Officer Chuck Wolin on this magnificent excursion. The organization takes senior war veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces to see their memorials in Washington, D.C., at no cost to a veteran.
Chuck’s trip consisted of 37 veterans, 18 guardians, 2 leaders, 2 medics, and 17 wheelchairs. Guardians were needed as companions for those who were wheelchair users like Chuck. His son, MGySgt Ken Wolin, USMC, served as his guardian. JWV donated $500 to Honor Flight in appreciation.
Currently on active duty as a musician with “The President’s Own” Marine Band since 1997, Ken’s primary mission is to provide musical support for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corp.
“Escorting my father as his guardian was an incredibly powerful experience. My dad, a veteran of the Cold War who served during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and I are both proud members of the Jewish War Veterans, which made the trip even more meaningful. Helping my father through the journey while witnessing the respect and gratitude he received filled me with pride and humility. My son, inspired by my father’s service and legacy, recently enlisted with the Marine Corps.”
Though having been to D.C. several times, this trip was exceptionally special to Chuck, as he was able to share it with his son. The three-day tour covered 11 different memorials, monuments, cemeteries, and forts. Each stop was more fascinating than the previous. “I don’t know why, but they meant more to me than in the past. I left the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye,” admits this proud veteran. “I would sign up as a guardian in an instant and intend to spread the word to anyone who can push a wheelchair to sign up as a guardian and experience the history and greatness of our country,” concludes this proud and appreciative veteran.
In 1961 Chuck was singled out and honored with a handshake from President John F. Kennedy for using his electronic engineering skill to design the emergency General Quarters System that is used on every Navy vessel in the fleet! Chuck later focused on the Columbus Ohio Space Lab’s Radar System for the Project Gemini space capsule.
JWV Post 619, which meets the third Sunday of every month from September through June, boasts members who represent a wide range of religious affiliations and participates in philanthropic activities to help veterans of all faiths. To learn more about JWV activities and membership, contact Arthur Uram at 702-884-4175 or uramarthur@gmail.com.