Lemont Veterans Humbled by Honor Flight Chicago

Two Lemont veterans were treated to a day they'll never forget—and then some. 

On June 4, Jessie Tasharksi and Joseph Forzley boarded a D.C.-bound 6:30 a.m. flight. They joined 84 other veterans in being "treated like royalty" on Honor Flight Chicago, to visit veterans' memorials. 

They returned home to fanfare from friends and family awaiting their arrival at Midway Airport: a hero's welcome home. 

Tasharski, who was a Yoeman 2nd Class in the Navy Waves from 1944–
1946, said the attention seemed unnecessary, that she just "did my little part." Tasharski was stationed in San Pedro, California, where she processed soldiers' discarge papers. Forzley served in the Air Force, working on maintenance of planes, especially the 51 mustang plane. 
He was stationed in Japan from 1945–1947.

The two tried to shrug off recognition during Lemont's June 9 Village Board meeting, but Mayor Brian Reaves praised them anyway. 

"I feel like I'm not that important," Tasharski said. 

Forzley echoed her feelings, noting his initial resistance to taking the trip.

"Really and truly, the trip was a fabulous time," he said.

"It's a dream," he said, chuckling. "Then you wake up from the dream, and go get your pills for the next morning." 

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