What began as a single mission to honor WWII veterans by bringing them to see their memorial in 2005 has now honored more than 300,000 veterans in over 129 hubs nationwide. Central Valley Honor Flight lifted off Sept. 16-18 for the 29th flight with 67 Korean and Vietnam war veterans on board. Their journey took them on a private capital tour along with visiting the memorials that both honor their military branches and their service. Participation in the Honor Flight allows each veteran alongside their guardian, to remember the fallen, share their stories and for many, the first time they feel valued and honored for their service. This series highlights many of the unforgettable stories from Central Valley Honor Flight 29 as Fresno Christian Schools aims to raise awareness and funds for this organization during our 39th Annual Homecoming. 

One in five American soldiers served in both the Korean and Vietnam War, and Arthur Dandridge is one of them. Dandridge, 91, hails from New Jersey and now resides in Clovis, California. Dandridge retired from the United States Air Force as Chief Master Sergeant E9 after 30 years of service.

Chief Master Sergeant E9 is the ninth, and highest, enlisted rank in the United States Air Force and the United States Space Force. Dandridge holds this title, which is just above senior master sergeant, and is a senior non-commissioned officer rank. 

“You start off as an E1, Basing Airman, and you work your way up through the ranks,” Dandridge said. “As I got promoted, I would get different jobs. The E9 is technically a superintendent of men.”

Dandridge started his 30 years of service on January 4, 1951, as a military policeman. Dandridge was stationed in England and traveled throughout Europe to different locations such as Germany. He also spent time in Libya, North Africa.

Dandridge is a Bronze Star and Airman’s Medal recipient. The Bronze Star is given to soldiers to recognize heroic service or achievement in combat not involving aerial flight. The Airman’s Medal is received for commendable service during aerial flight or for an act of heroism against an armed enemy. Dandridge received recognition for his service in Vietnam for airlifting troops, food, ammunition and supplies while being under fire from the Vietcong. 

After his time serving in the Air Force and military police, Dandridge went on to work with the Secret Service during the Ronald Reagan Administration. He was based on Reagan’s private ranch in Santa Inez, California where he got to know the president on a personal level. Dandridge applied to the Secret Service shortly after he retired from the Air Force in 1981.

“They were recruiting at the time of the assassination attempt on [Reagan], and since I had just retired I thought about applying,” Dandridge said. “After I did, about three weeks later I received a call to report to the Secret Service training center. With that, I was in.”

Dandridge was accompanied by guardian Dale Vadeboncoer, retired United States Air Force Major, on the 29th Central Valley Honor Flight. Dandridge was able to see many American memorials including the Vietnam and Korean War Memorial. 

Vadeboncoer signed up to be a guardian to give back to those who served before him. He was extremely grateful to have met Dandridge and felt as though he gained so much from volunteering on the Honor Flight.

“From the moment we met on the orientation day, through the flight and different places we went, he just blew me away. He practically ran circles around me,” Vadeboncoer said. “He knew so many people and loved taking pictures with the names and statues of people he knew and served with.” 

During CVHF 29, Dandridge visited his brother’s, Joseph Dandridge, grave in Arlington National Cemetery for the first time. Arlington does not allow visitors to see graves in a certain restricted area, which is where Joseph’s grave is located. They made an exception for Arthur Dandridge. Dandridge skipped going to the National Museum of the United States Army but the decision was easy for him.

“It was very emotional but not emotional at the same time,” Dandridge said. “I was just very proud to be there.”

When Joseph Dandridge passed away, Arthur Dandridge was not able to attend his funeral for various reasons. Arthur Dandridge remained humble while paying his respects to his brother and decorated the grave with American flags. 

Gallery • 12 Photos

Gene Day

Arthur Dandridge at Arlington National Cemetery, Sept. 18.

The Honor Flight’s main mission is to give honor and respect to all veterans who served. The trip is three days long filled with nonstop action like visiting eight memorials and museums as well as Arlington and The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Honor Flight had a positive and long-lasting impact on Dandridge. 

“I would recommend to any person who has served in the military that if they ever got the opportunity to go, to do so,” Dandridge said. “I enjoyed the Honor Flight immensely.”

Without generous donations, deserving veterans like Arthur Dandridge would not be able to see their memorials in person. Fresno Christian Schools is highly motivated to raise as much money as possible for the Central Valley Honor Flight.