Tag Archive: Honor Flight

A Farewell Honor Flight for Jim Traner

In the Spring, our Comrade Jim Traner was supposed to depart on his Honor Flight from SeaTac Airport. In his true selfless form, Jim wanted someone else “more deserving,” (or something to that effect) to go in his place. Someone else went in Jim’s place, but none were more deserving than Jim. Jim was rescheduled to go on the more recent Honor Flight to our Nation’s Capitol. Unfortunately, Jim passed this summer before he could go on his Honor Flight. With permission from his wife, Jim’s burial flag went on the trip in his honor.

Jim’s friend and Comrade from VFW Post 1040 returned his flag for us. (At right with Dept. Commander Craig Daugherty.)

While we would much rather have had Jim on that flight, thank you to all who helped honor Jim’s memory, and thank you very much Walt Tanimoto for sharing these images with us.

Post Member Brad Andrew Volunteers for Honor Flight

Post Member Brad Andrew Volunteers for Honor Flight

Brad Andrews, one of our newer members and a Vietnam Veteran, volunteered to accompany 93 year old WWII veteran Frank Muramatsu as his “Guardian” on the spring Honor flight. Brad paid his expenses out of his own pocket in order to perform this service. 

Muramatsu was one of those young Japanese American warriors who stepped up to serve their country despite the treatment their families received during that time. Frank served in the Pacific, unlike so many of his comrades of Japanese descent. 

In addition to his personal services, Brad also donated 4,000 Alaska air miles to Puget Sound Fisher House through the “Hero Miles” program.