Past BIA President Vern Hanson participates in Veterans Honor Flight

Last month, when Building Industry Association past president and longtime industry leader Vern Hanson, Hanson Bros., Inc., boarded a Veterans Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., he expected to see monuments and memorials honoring America's veterans.

What he didn't expect was the overwhelming outpouring of appreciation from family, friends and fellow BIA members.

Vern, who served in Vietnam from September 1968 to September 1969, was among the veterans selected for the three-day Honor Flight experience. Vern joined fellow veterans on a journey to visit national memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, museums and other historic sites dedicated to those who served our country.

One of the most memorable moments came during the program's traditional "mail call." Each veteran received a packet filled with letters from family, friends and supporters. Many of the notes in Vern's packet came from BIA members who took the time to share their thoughts and gratitude.

Vern says, "Mail call was always an anticipated time for every soldier. Receiving mail on this trip was very emotional," he says. "Many of these letters I received were from many of you. Thank you so much for taking the time to do that. It was very humbling to say the least."

Above: Vern Hanson recently participated in a Veterans Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., where he visited national memorials honoring those who served. One of the most meaningful moments of the trip was receiving letters from family, friends, and fellow BIA members during the program's traditional "Mail Call."

The experience prompted reflection on both his military service and the people who continue to make a difference in their communities. He was impressed by the volunteers who chose to make a difference in the world by organize the trip and assisting along the way.

"One thing I realized on this trip is what makes America great is the people who choose to make a difference," he says. "That would be all of you."

Drafted into the Army in January 1968 just days after his 20th birthday, Hanson completed basic training before attending communications schools in California and Georgia. He eventually served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam, where he worked in radio communications and intelligence operations. After returning home in 1969, he resumed the family tradition of homebuilding that began with Hanson Brothers Construction and would eventually span four generations.

Many BIA members know Vern not only as a respected builder, but also as a dedicated volunteer.  His father, Lyle Hanson, is a charter member of the Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead (now BIA-RRV). Vern served as president of the Association in 2004 and was named Builder Volunteer of the Year that same year. Throughout his career, he has devoted countless hours to the Association, advocacy efforts, code work and industry leadership at the local, state and national levels.

He is grateful to have made the trip with his son, Mike, who now leads Hanson Bros., Inc., alongside Vern and Vern’s brother, Gerald.

“I think that Mike got insights into what I did while serving in the military,” Vern says. “I value the times we can do something together that is not about work.”

Above: Vern (right) with his son, Mike.

Yet Vern says the final moments of the Honor Flight may have been the most meaningful.

When the veterans returned home, they were greeted by a packed airport filled with people cheering, shaking hands and welcoming them back.

"It was overwhelming," he says. "The homecoming we never got 57 years ago."

For Vern, the trip was a powerful reminder that gratitude, appreciation and community matter. And for those fortunate enough to know him, it was an opportunity to give a little of that back.

Below: More photos from Vern's visit to Washington, D.C.