8/2/07 3:40 PM
kimberlyherodak wrote in topic Article: Honor Flight:
This article brought tears to my eyes. I have been honored to know two World War II Veterans in my lifetime, my grandfather and my father-in-law. Unfortunately, both have passed away and never got to see the memorial built in their honor. Thank You Earl Morse for making this trip possible for so many of our deserving Veterans. It is a great deed and one that will be the memory of a lifetime for each and every recipient!
My father-in-law, Frank J. Hodak, died on January 12, 2004. He fired the first shot for U.S. Army at Pearl Harbor, he was a highly trained rifleman and Army Ranger. His troop was transferred from Pearl Harbor just days after December 7th and he spent the next three years in the swamps of some dreadful Pacific islands where he lived in constant fear for his life. Very few men from his troop made it back alive. Frank returned to the U.S. after three years of living in hell. He met a wonderful young lady, married her and built afamily as well as a business with her. He and his wife raised seven children. Throughout his life, Frank rarely talked about WWII, he never asked for pity, sorrow or thanks. I can remember only a few instances when Frank was questioned by his family that he actually divulged some of his less gruesome WWII expereinces.
Frank was the kind of man who did what he had to do and moved on. He was the most interesting and honorable man I have ever known and I am so pleased that this memorial was finally built in honor of him and other soldiers like him.
