The YMCA community encompasses a wide range of amazing people with a passion for public service, including many veterans who have served in the armed forces. Among this group of veterans is Y staff member Joe Miraglia – a.k.a. ‘Mr. Joe’ – who had the opportunity to participate in an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. earlier this summer.

“It was such a whirlwind. Time flew by so fast. The day started at four in the morning and we had 114 veterans on the trip,” he said.

Joe, a veteran of the United States Air Force, said that the experience covered an array of monuments and memorials.

“We started with the World War II Memorial and then we stopped by the Vietnam Memorial. We also got a tour of the National Air and Space Museum,” he said. “The support staff during the flight and trip were amazing.”

And when Joe returned home, a pleasant surprise was waiting for him at the airport. 

“There were hundreds of people in the crowd, and as I was walking through to the end of the line, there were all my Y people. I was shocked to see so many,” he said. 

A group of nearly two dozen YMCA members and staff had gathered to welcome Joe back to Illinois. 

“Joe has been a Y member for more than 15 years and, in addition to being one of our most dedicated Fab 50 participants, he has also made a positive impact as a member of our youth and family staff team since 2021,” Director of Branch Operations Lisa Behounek said. “We wanted to show our appreciation for his service and help make the day a true celebration.”

Joe said he is excited to continue his work as a birthday party attendant, participate in YMCA water aerobics classes, and stay connected with the other members of the Fab 50 social group. 

“I have a lot of fun at the Y and over the years I’ve made a lot of friends. Everybody is so helpful and friendly,” he said.

On behalf of the Y, we’d like to thank Joe for his service to our country. We are so grateful to have him as a member of our YMCA family!