Matthew Mank
Matthew Mank
Chairman, Board of Directors
Appleton, Maine
Union, Maine
B.S. in Business Administration
- 04/2017 started volunteering after going at my uncle’s guardian
- 02/2019 – 02/2023 – Treasurer
- 09/2022 – present – Chairman, Board of Directors
My father served in the Navy,
ultimately retiring as a Chief. From a young age, I was instilled with a deep respect and
admiration for our country. I fondly recall the times I went with my grandparents to decorate
the graves of veterans with an American Flag in preparation for the annual Memorial Day
service. My family’s legacy of service continues with my son, his wife, and three uncles who
have also answered the call. Because of the sacrifices made by our veterans, I am privileged
to awaken each day in a free country. It is crucial that we express our deep respect and
gratitude to these heroes, and being involved with Honor Flight Maine enables me to do just
that.
Among the many memories I’ve collected, one truly touches my heart. On one of my first trips as Chairman, we took a veteran who endured constant pain from cancer that had spread throughout his body. At one point during the trip, he came to me, his voice steady but filled with emotion, and said, “I have been told that I have three months to live.” Despite the immense pain he was in, he fought valiantly through it all, immersing himself in the experience of visiting each memorial and soaking in the recognition he so deeply deserved. It was just two and a half months later that I received the heartbreaking news of his passing. While it is incredibly sad to learn he lost his battle with cancer, I feel grateful to have witnessed him being honored and respected for his service in those precious days. His courage and spirit left an indelible mark on my heart.
