Korean War Veteran Receives Hero’s Welcome

A lot has changed since 1954 when John Surma returned home from his tour of duty in the Korean War, but the emotions that surfaced when returning home on a plane full of veterans were the same.

By participating in the Honor Flight program John and his fellow participants had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. To top it all off, their families were waiting for them at Midway Airport to welcome their heroes home.

Mr. Surma was a Corporal in the 2nd Infantry Division in the U.S. Army and served from 1953-1954 in the Korean War. John, 85, now lives at Presence Casa San Carlo Retirement Community in Northlake, Ill.

“We were grateful to share this incredible experience with John,” said Marie Asuncion, Director of Resident Services at Presence Casa San Carlo Retirement Community. “Seeing all the families there to support their loved ones was such a blessing to everyone in attendance.”

Presence Casa San Carlo Retirement community is a faith-based senior living campus offering a variety of independent living options. For more information about Presence Casa San Carlo Retirement Community, visit www.presencehealth.org/casasancarlo or call 877.737.4636.

Photo caption 1: John Surma served as a Corporal in the 2nd Infantry Division in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1953-1954.

Photo caption 2: On Wednesday, June 7, John Surma, a Corporal in the 2nd Infantry Division in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, received a hero’s welcome when he returned to Midway Airport from Washington, D.C., as part of the Honor Flight program. His children (from left to right) including daughter Diane Fornek, son William Surma and daughter Kathleen McHugh were there to welcome him home.