Honor Flight trip turns to tribute
The first thing caregiver Shirley Shultz shared—almost laughing over the phone—is how often it still surprises her. She and her husband start talking, and somehow land in the same thought at the same time.
A love story
“He’ll look at me and say, ‘Get out of my head,’” Shirley mused. “We finish each other’s sentences.”
After nearly 40 years of marriage, it no longer feels unusual to her. Just one of those quiet signs that their lives had long since woven into one another.
Shirley is 78 and her husband, Bob, a World War II Marine Corps Veteran, is 104 years old.
Their days are structured. She lays out his “uniform” for the day and prepares his meals, making sure everything is just right. She keeps track of medications, organizes appointments and ensures nothing slips through the cracks. Medical visits, paperwork, follow-ups—she manages it all with a quiet efficiency that comes from practice, not obligation. It’s simply what love looks like now as wife, caregiver and best friend.
Bob still takes pride in doing things for himself. He remains remarkably healthy, moving through his days with intention thanks to support from VA doctors and Caregiver Support Program.
St. Louis VA Social Worker Mitzi Hedgecock connected Shirley to the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, linking her to a network of support she didn’t realize existed. She found guidance, resources and other people who understand the reality of showing up day after day.
It was her idea
During World War II, Bob served aboard USS California in the South Pacific, operating 20- and 40-millimeter anti-aircraft guns. Over the years, he has talked with Shirley about his long stretches at sea, the waiting, the uncertainty, but one detail stays with her. When the war ended, his ship took a long time to return home. By the time he got back, the post-war parades and celebrations were over. He missed them, not dramatically or with bitterness, just a fact that settled quietly into his story.
Shirley was never satisfied with that ending and wanted more for him, some type of closure. That’s when she started looking into Honor Flights, whose mission is to celebrate America’s Veterans by inviting them to share in a day of honor at the nation’s memorials. Honor Flights allows Veterans to experience the honor, gratitude and community of support they deserve. Transporting approximately 22,500 Veterans annually, Honor Flight Network has flown more than 300,000 Veterans to Washington, D.C., since its inception.
“I wanted him to go. I think it’s time,” she said.
She found herself thinking about what it could mean for him—not just the recognition, but the feeling of standing in a place that honors what he lived through, specifically the Iwo Jima Monument.
Wheels up: Honor Flight
The night before their April trip, she could already see it all unfolding. Every moment. Every step. It was the kind of day she hoped he would carry with him. This made it even more meaningful because it fell on his 104th birthday.
She moved through the evening with quiet purpose, laying everything out just so: the medications, the documents, the small but essential details that turn a long journey into a manageable one. The 1 a.m. wake-up call came quickly, but before long they were on their way to the airport for a 3 a.m. arrival.
And then, just like that, everything changed.
From the moment they stepped inside, Bob was no longer just a traveler, he was the center of something much bigger. Uniformed Marines stood ready. Well-wishers lined up as if for a parade. And the “Happy Birthday” songs began almost immediately, one after another, wrapping around him like a warm chorus.
“It was indescribable—he really enjoyed it,” Shirley said.
From that first greeting, Bob and Shirley recognized the careful orchestration of their tour in Washington, D.C. It wasn’t just a trip—it was a tribute to Bob’s service. Every detail felt intentional, thoughtful and deeply earned for a 104-year-old hero.
For both Bob and Shirley, one moment rose above the rest.
At the Iwo Jima Monument, the scene was almost reverent. Active duty Marines formed a line, standing tall as Bob approached. One by one, they saluted him. It was a gesture of respect that said everything without a single word.
And through it all, Bob stayed exactly who he’s always been—humble, steady and a U.S. Marine to his core.
“I can’t believe they’re doing all of this for me,” he whispered to Shirley.
They lingered there, taking it in, capturing photos, holding onto the weight of the moment. Then came another surprise. Bob was presented with the very flag that had flown over the memorial earlier that day. Along with it, a certificate marking the occasion and a personal challenge coin, a symbol of honor passed from one Marine to another.
He was then asked to lead the singing of the Marine Corps hymn. That moment greatly impacted Shirley.
“I just broke down and started crying—and all of this on his birthday,” Shirley said.
The entire trip moved like a whirlwind, nearly 24 hours of emotion, celebration and remembrance wrapped into a single, unforgettable day.
The next morning, Bob woke up half-convinced it must have been a dream—but it wasn’t. It really happened.
Find more information on the Caregiver Support Program.
Author: Nikki Verbeck