Honor flight brings Brintnall full circle

By Jennifer Eisenbart

Editor

Jackie Brintnall knew her husband, Charlie – a Korean War veteran – was emotional following his participation in the Honor Flight May 16.

But it wasn’t until days after the event that Charlie explained why.

“Every memorial is there because it’s spilled American blood,” Charlie Brintnall. “There’s still young men dying.”

One of thousands now that have participated in the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight program – which flies veterans of World II and the Korean War, as well as terminally ill veterans of any conflict – to Washington, D.C. for a day to visit the memorial for World War II, as well as Arlington National Cemetery and the Iwo Jima Memorial.

Trips also include other war memorials and a short bus tour of the capital.

For Charlie Brintnall, the day offered more than just the sights, though. It was a closing of a circle, of sorts. His family’s military service, according to Jackie Brintnall, dates back to the Civil War.

“His great-grandfather was in the Civil War,” she said. “(Charlie) has his discharge papers for the Civil War.”

Charlie Brintnall served as a member of the United States Navy aboard the USS Lexington as an aviation boatswain mate. According to his wife, he was in charge of tending the steam catapults and arresting gear on the carrier.

But with the war – and 56 years of marriage – in the rearview mirror now, Charlie Brintnall had a chance to reflect during the trip to Washington, D.C.

One of the highlights, he said, was getting a chance to watch U.S. Silent Drill Team.

“If you’re a serviceman, it lumps your throat pretty good,” he said.

Charlie Brintnall now resides in Boland Hall at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove, while Jackie lives in Waterford, and the couple has friends and family throughout the area.

Jackie Brintnall said the last few years have been difficult, but that the trip was special – for her to see her husband honored, and for him to take the flight.

“This was a very special honor for him,” she said. “It was wonderful to see something good happen for him.

“He is a very special man,” she added.

            Editor’s note: Numerous area residents took part in the June 6 Honor Flight that left from Milwaukee. A separate story will run as soon as all names are confirmed by the Honor Flight program.