Appleton, WI – This Tuesday, the Old Glory Honor Flight will lift off from Appleton International Airport with a distinctly family‑focused crew. Two sets of brothers from the Lakeshore area, all Vietnam‑era veterans, are headed to Washington, D.C. to visit the nation’s war memorials.
The Duchow Triplets
Daniel Duchow, the youngest of the triplet brothers, recalled the day they learned they were drafted: “We were number 221 in the first draft lottery. We had no idea how many numbers were left.” The three brothers—Delton, David and Daniel—entered the Army Reserve in 1970. While David and Daniel trained together, Delton completed basic training two months earlier and returned home for Christmas, leaving his brothers still in Georgia.
Now, Daniel says the honor flight is a chance to bring his son along for the first time. “He’s never been there, so it will be an experience for him to go with dad and see all the things in Washington, D.C.” He added that veterans who have taken the flight describe it as “really fantastic.”
The Dvorachek Brothers
Joining the Duchows are brothers David, Robert and James Dvorachek. James was drafted the same week his brother David shipped out to Vietnam, noting, “It was Holy Thursday in April when I got drafted.” David served as an infantryman overseas, while Robert and James performed military police duties—Robert in Vietnam and James stateside. The three are part of a larger family of nine siblings.
The brothers remembered the emotional toll on their mother during the war years. “I’m sure she prayed a lot,” James said. “When Bob was over there, I was still in high school and she would be sitting on the side of her bed praying at night.”
Why the Flight Matters
For the veterans, the Old Glory Honor Flight is more than a sightseeing tour; it is a chance to reconnect with comrades, honor fallen friends, and share history with the next generation. James admitted he is “a little skeptical because I’m not a traveler either,” preferring the comfort of his kitchen table and a newspaper. Yet he looks forward to the camaraderie and the opportunity to spend time together as they age.
David summed up the sentiment of the group: “We’re old farm boys, we live out in the country and pretty much stay there, out with the trees and all.” Their shared background underscores the deep roots these families have in the Appleton community.
Flight Details and Public Arrival
Old Glory Honor Flight 84 will return to Appleton International Airport after the Washington, D.C. visit on Tuesday. The arrival is open to the public, allowing neighbors and fellow veterans to welcome the crew home.
The honor flight program, a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and local veterans’ organizations, provides free transportation for eligible veterans to view the National World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Arlington National Cemetery. Participants often describe the experience as a profound reminder of their service and sacrifice.
Appleton residents are encouraged to attend the arrival ceremony, celebrate the veterans’ dedication, and support the families who have stood by them through decades of service.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
