APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The 94 veterans on Tuesday’s Old Glory Honor Flight will have the privilege of visiting Washington, D.C. due to the generosity of one man — Jerry Jochman, a 22-year Navy veteran.
Jochman, who passed away unexpectedly in January 2024, left in his will a wish with over $100,000 attached to it.
“Before Jerry passed,” said Jochman’s nephew, Chris Johnson, “he mentioned to me that he would like to someday pay for a whole flight.”
That flight leaves Appleton on Tuesday, May 27. He hopes the other 94 veterans have the same life-changing experience he and his father had on the honor flight in May 2014.
“My grandpa said it was the happiest day of his life,” said Johnson, then adding a caveat, “beside the birth of his five kids and getting married to my grandma.”
After that trip, Jochman even convinced his longtime friend and colleague, Michael Turner, to take his father-in-law. They got the chance to take the honor flight last year.
“I saw [my father-in-law] there — just this weight come off of him,” said Turner, referring to his father-in-law, a Korean War veteran. “It was special. It really was. I was happy for him. It was an experience I’ll never forget, and I’m glad I got to experience it.
Johnson and Turner will join the crowd welcoming veterans home at the Appleton International Airport on Tuesday night. They’ll also have the chance to greet Jochman’s four sisters, who are serving as chaperones on the trip. Both Johnson and Turner expect it to be an emotional evening.
“One thing I remember about Jerry is his major patriotic loyalty,” said Turner. “He was in the Navy and I’m wearing his hat, and I’ll be wearing this tomorrow too when we welcome back the flight.”
A final act of service for Jerry Jochman after serving his country for 22 years.
