Dennis Burdolski, MDU Resources manager of Facility and Administrative Services and Air Force veteran, is one of 10 volunteers in Bismarck-Mandan, North Dakota, nominated for Scheels Hidden Hometown Heroes.
Burdolski is a driving force behind the Western North Dakota Honor Flight. In fact, he was instrumental in starting this nonprofit, which provides World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War-era veterans a free trip to Washington, D.C. Burdolski currently serves as the president of the Western North Dakota Honor Flight Board of Directors.
“Many of these veterans did not get a proper homecoming or the respect they deserved when they came back from their service,” Burdolski said. “These honor flights finally give them that.”
Last month, Burdolski and the volunteer team for the Western North Dakota Honor flight took more than 100 North Dakota veterans to Washington, D.C.
During the veterans’ trip to the nation’s capital, they visited the memorials that honor those who have served and sacrificed for their country. They also visited Arlington National Cemetery to watch the Changing of the Guard and toured the U.S. Capitol.
“I enjoy making these flights happen, and this is a great honor to nominated,” Burdolski said. “I’m glad this is bringing even more publicity of the honor flight.”
Father-son Honor Flight experience serves as catalyst to create western North Dakota chapter
Burdolski’s first encounter with the Honor Flight was when he accompanied his dad, also a military veteran, on his trip.
“My dad was a World War II veteran and traveled (on the Honor Flight) in 2010,” Burdolski said. “He lived six more years and talked of his trip every day for the rest of his life. I wanted to share that with others.”
At the time of his dad’s trip, western North Dakota didn’t have an Honor Flight. A chapter existed in only eastern North Dakota to serve veterans from that part of the state. So, Burdolski took it upon himself to change that. He was instrumental in creating awareness and fundraising so that the trips are free to veterans.
Participation in Honor Flights continues to grow
The inaugural flight for Western North Dakota Honor Flight was in April 2022. With every trip since then, the interest continues to grow.
“Each time we go and take 100-plus veterans off the (waiting) list, the list grows even larger within a few weeks after the flight,” Burdolski said. “Obviously these veterans want to be part of this.”
Burdolski said that veterans of Operation Desert Storm will be able to join the Honor Flight once the corresponding memorial in Washington, D.C., is built. The memorial’s location has been determined, but it will be a few years before the memorial is completed.
Learn more about Burdolski’s work for the Western North Dakota Honor Flight and vote by May 16 for him here.
The top six vote receivers will be recognized at a Bismarck Larks baseball game this summer.
