Talking to a Northland Honor Flight guardian

The Honor Flight Northland, carrying about 100 veterans from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, traveled from Duluth to Washington, D.C. and back on Saturday, April 16.

Three local veterans were on this flight – Jack Heiskari of Grand Marais, David Monson of Tofte, and Mike Quaife of Tofte. They were given a whirlwind tour of the Capitol and the monuments there honoring veterans. 

With them on the Northland Honor Flight was Orvis Lunke of Grand Marais, who along with his wife, Donna Lunke, has been promoting the Honor Flight for many years. Donna has helped set up with airport send-offs and welcome home celebrations.

Orvis has served as “guardian,” assisting veterans in the journey eight times now. WTIP’s Rhonda Silence talked to Orvis to learn more about Honor Flights and how he is involved.