A Journey of Honor: Peter Gross’ Story of Service, Adventure, and Recognition

Peter Gross, a former U.S. Army Specialist, embarked on an incredible journey from serving in the artillery sector in Germany to his recent experience with the Badger Honor Flight. At 80 years old, Peter has witnessed a lifetime of military service and personal adventure that began when he was drafted at 21 to serve in Germany in 1965. Now, with the chance to revisit his history on the Honor Flight, Peter's story is a testament to the value of service and the importance of remembering those who have served.  

An Overseas Adventure: Service in Germany  

Born in 1944, Peter was drafted into the U.S. Army, and he and his wife, Lucy, relocated to Germany for a year and a half. As a young couple in a foreign land, Peter and Lucy made the most of their time abroad. With Peter earning $168 per month and Lucy receiving an additional $40, they saved what they could to travel around Europe on weekends. They visited countless destinations, one of the most memorable being the castles of King Ludwig II. Known for their grand designs and inspiring views, these castles—including Neuschwanstein, a likely inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella Castle—provided unforgettable memories for Peter and Lucy.    

Reflecting on his service, Peter says he encourages everyone to consider the military, believing it to be an experience that brings structure and growth. He believes that his time in Germany shaped his life and became a cornerstone of his who he is today.  

The Honor Flight: A Two-Year Wait for a Day to Remember  

For Peter and Lucy, the journey to participate in the Honor Flight was marked by patience. After a two-year wait, Peter received the long-awaited invitation to take the Honor Flight, a program designed to honor veterans by providing them the opportunity to visit the national memorials dedicated to their service. On October 12, Peter joined 90 other veterans at Dane County Airport, where they were greeted warmly and honored with a choir performance of the service songs from each military branch, and a breakfast of doughnuts and coffee.  

Peter's son, Chris, also a veteran, accompanied him on this journey, making the experience all the more meaningful. The trip was a deeply emotional and inspiring day for Peter and his fellow veterans, who visited memorials dedicated to World War II, Vietnam, the Air Force, and many others. They reflected upon their sacrifices and the legacy of those who served alongside them.  

An Emotional Conclusion: Mail Call and a Hero’s Welcome  

As the day concluded, veterans received an iconic piece of military tradition—a “mail call.” Letters of love and gratitude from family and friends added a personal touch to the experience, bringing smiles and some tears to the veterans’ faces. They each received a Badger Honor Flag Medallion as a keepsake to remember this day. Upon their return to Dane County Airport, the veterans were welcomed with open arms, cheers, and expressions of gratitude—a fitting end to a profound experience.     

Peter and Lucy were deeply impressed by the dedication of the Badger Honor Flight organizers and volunteers, describing the experience as exceptionally well-coordinated and full of respect and honor.  

About the Badger Honor Flight  

Badger Honor Flight is part of the national Honor Flight Network, dedicated to helping veterans visit the memorials built in their honor. This non-profit organization covers all expenses for veterans, ensuring they have access to transportation, meals, and memorial visits, with any extra costs only if they wish to buy souvenirs. Each veteran is accompanied by a guardian, a volunteer who is there to ensure each veteran’s needs are met throughout the day.  

Badger Honor Flight serves veterans from WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, giving them a chance to connect with their service legacy and each other. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reflect on their service and be reminded of the country’s gratitude.  

A Final Thank You  

Peter’s experience with the Honor Flight reflects not only his legacy but the shared legacy of all veterans. We extend a heartfelt thanks to Peter, his family, and Badger Honor Flight for helping us share his inspiring journey. And to Willie Gross, thank you for introducing us to Peter and Lucy and allowing us to honor this beautiful chapter in their lives. It’s stories like Peter’s that remind us of the strength, resilience, and dedication of our veterans—and the importance of honoring their service. 

If you’d like to learn more about the Badger Honor Flight or apply for a future flight, please visit https://badgerhonorflight.org/about/about-us/.