100-year-old female vet joins 43rd Indy Honor Flight to D.C

On a Saturday morning, the 43rd Indy Honor Flight departed with dozens of veterans from Indiana for a complimentary trip to Washington D.C. The flight included 86 veterans, each with unique stories, to visit significant war memorials such as the World War II, Korea, Lincoln, and Vietnam Memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery. Among the participants was Stephanie Ahrendt, a U.S. Navy veteran and cancer survivor, who expressed pride in her service and emphasized her sense of belonging among her fellow veterans. Ahrendt, the only female veteran on this flight, highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions of women in the military. She recalled her experience as part of the first wave sent to the Naval Academy in California in 1972. Another notable veteran on the flight was Robert Cheatham, a 100-year-old Navy and Air Force veteran, who reflected on his time in service and the lessons learned about humanity. The Indy Honor Flight aims to honor veterans who served during the conflicts of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, providing them with the opportunity to pay respects to their fallen comrades and to receive the recognition they deserve. The event is particularly significant for Vietnam veterans, who often did not receive a proper welcome home after their service. A public welcome home celebration is scheduled for the same evening at Plainfield High School, allowing the community to honor these veterans and acknowledge their sacrifices. This initiative not only celebrates their service but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and respect among veterans and the public.