SAN DIEGO (AP) — A 95-year-old former soldier died last weekend aboard a so-called Honor Flight carrying World War II veterans home to San Diego after an all-expenses-paid weekend trip to Washington, D.C.
Frank Manchel collapsed about an hour before the chartered American Airlines jet was due to land Sunday, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported."It was almost instantaneous," said Dave Smith, founder of Honor Flight San Diego."He was laughing, chatting, having a good time — and then he collapsed."As the plane was descending to its destination, former San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman, the daughter of a World War II veteran, asked Dr.
"My father's passing was the ending to the most amazing weekend, surrounded by his newest best friends," Dr. Manchel said in a statement Monday."We thank all of you — Honor Flight San Diego, American Airlines, San Diego International Airport, friends, and supporters for your concern and for allowing the weekend to be so special for all of us to share together."He was 100 percent engaged, proud, humble — as these veterans are," Zimmerman said.
American Airlines offered to take the veteran's remains and relatives to Michigan, where services and burial are planned."We know this is a potential situation," said Smith."We want to honor these veterans, but this is one of our worst fears that this might happen. We do everything we can to make sure these veterans are safe."
The non-profit Honor Flight Network was founded to enable aging veterans to visit the National World War II Memorial, which was completed in 2004. The organization plans to eventually focus on Korean War veterans and then those who served in Vietnam.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dreaded lovebugs are back, swarming cars. What you should know about the invasive speciesLovebugs are back, big time. Myths persist about these tiny creatures that cause huge headaches for Floridians -- and their cars
Read more »
On 1st day as Japan's emperor, Naruhito vows to pursue peaceOn first day as Japan's emperor, Naruhito inherits imperial regalia that signals his succession and pledges to follow his father's example by devoting himself to peace.
Read more »
Warren Buffett says trade war would be 'bad for the whole world'Warren Buffett said on Monday that a trade war between the United States and Chi...
Read more »
Warren Buffett says U.S.-China trade war would be 'bad for the whole world'Warren Buffett said on Monday that a trade war between the United States and Chi...
Read more »
Deadly gases may be starting to leak from Europe’s World War weapons cemeteriesTraces of deadly gases have reportedly emerged in the North Sea, near beaches and coastal towns.
Read more »
Army issues waivers for 14 Sikh high school recruits to enlist with turban, beardSikhs have served in the U.S. military since World War One.
Read more »
Nick Jonas, Kelly Clarkson, And Pitbull Revealed Which Songs They Would Remove From Their Discographies And I'm SurprisedNick Jonas, Kelly Clarkson, And Pitbull Revealed Which Songs They Wished They Never Recorded
Read more »
95-year old WWII veteran dies returning from 'Honor Flight'An World War II veteran passed away during a flight to San Diego on Monday. Frank Manchel, 95, was completing a trip from Washington, DC with Honor Flight San Diego.
Read more »
Stocks close moderately lower after dramatic comeback as Trump reignites trade-war fearsU.S. stock futures under sharp pressure -- Nasdaq-100 futs down 2.4% -- as global investors caught off guard by Trump threats to lift China tariffs. Your move China.
Read more »
The War On Alcohol: Is This Prohibition 2.0Drinking a bottle or two of wine a week will help you live longer than someone who doesn’t drink at all, but the authors simply dismissed all the evidence showing a protective effect on health and focused instead on a thinner body of evidence showing increased cancer risk from low levels of drinking
Read more »