Two veterans of World War II were among the many Ohio veterans celebrated at the Honor Flight at Home ceremony this June in Marion at Tri-Rivers Career Center.
Joe Calenda, age 100
The oldest veteran, Joe Calenda, age 100, joined the U.S. Army in 1943. The 19-year-old from Brooklyn, New York, served in France and Belgium. When the war ended, Calenda was stationed in Germany. He also served during the Korean War and Vietnam War.
“If they have a World War III, I’m going!” Calenda said.
After 21 years in the military, Calenda retired and moved to Marion to be close to his brother. The veteran was reluctant to attend the Honor Flight event, but his children convinced him to make an appearance.
“I told Dad, ‘You deserve to be honored,’” said his daughter, Jackie Bailey of Plano, Texas.
Calenda lived independently until he had a fall at age 99. The veteran moved into assisted living at Kingston. More than 40 family members came to celebrate his 100th birthday earlier this year. Two of his children came back to celebrate him during the Honor Flight ceremony.
James Ferguson, 97
Another World War II veteran, James Ferguson, traveled from Columbus, Ohio, to the event. The spry 97-year-old served in the U.S. Army during World War II. The military police officer was stationed in Japan and Korea after the war. Ferguson remembers looking out for service members who had a little too much fun drinking on shore leave.
“I would take soldiers to their company instead of to jail so they wouldn’t get in trouble,” Ferguson recalls.
After coming home, Ferguson went to school to learn skills he still employs today. The 97-year-old paints home interiors, though he has stopped outside work as he closes in on his centennial.
“I love my work. If I just sat at home to watch TV with nothing to do, I’d be dead in six months,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson walked, tall and proud, through a cheering crowd at the end of the ceremony. Each of the 28 veterans received a handmade patriotic quilt. Ferguson’s family came to celebrate his service.
“He has wonderful stories he likes to tell,” said his nephew, Paul Simpson of Columbus.
Men and Women Honored
The men and women from all branches of the military were given a warm welcome home at the event – something that often did not happen for those who served in Vietnam.
Virtual Tour of Washington Memorials
The ceremony honored veterans who cannot travel to Washington, D.C. The veterans watched a video tour which included the memorials for World War II, Vietnam, Korea, the Military Women’s Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.
“You deserve our respect and admiration,” said Margie Saull, organizer of the Honor Flight at Home in Marion, which she started to honor her father, a veteran of World War II, and others who were unable to travel.
Local musician Jamie Rawlins sang each branch’s official song. Each veteran was recognized and applauded.
115 Honored Over 5 Years
Over five years, Honor Flight at Home in Marion has recognized 115 veterans, which is more than a planeload of an Honor Flight. The events are open to any Ohio veterans 65 and older.
Volunteers Key to Event
Many local volunteers supported the celebration. A local motorcycle club escorted the veterans into the auditorium.
A local junior ROTC group carried flags of each branch of service. People of all ages came to cheer and to celebrate. Each veteran also received a package of mail with letters and pictures of appreciation from local schoolchildren.
“The motto of the Honor Flight is: ‘Honor, Share and Celebrate.’ It’s important we honor those heroes who served our country,” said Saull.
Next Honor Flight at Home: June 7, 2025
Volunteers are already working on next year’s event. The next Honor Flight at Home event is scheduled for June 7, 2025 at Tri-Rivers Career Center.
For more info:
For information, contact Margie Saull at saullgw4@yahoo.com or (740) 360-8902.
MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.
