OCTOBER VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICER NEWSLETTER
Oh wow, the leaves have started to turn and winter is just around the corner. Are we ready for the snow to start to fall? I am not because i dislike having to shovel it, but it is part of the seasons, and afterall, it is just about Christmas!
As many of you know we just returned from another Honor Flight and this time we had 85 veterans with us plus their guardians. The day before we flew we had what we call a Meet & Greet at the Lafayette Armory on Haggerty Lane with over 400 people in attendance. Brigadier General Wayne Black was our keynote speaker, yes the same Wayne Black that works at RR Donnelly's. We acknowledged the veterans and make sure they know what will happen on our trip. To say the least, they were very excited. I ahve to admit even though this was my 8th flight, I think i am as excited as they are.
On Monday, we greeted the veterans at guardians at the Purdue Airport and gave them their badges which denote what bush they will be on in DC. They then we back into the large hanger for breakfast and a little entertainment from the Purdue Marching Band and of course biscuits and gravy, fruit cups, yogurt and water. We started boarding the plan about 6:45 and left about 8 pm. There was a buzz in the airplane as they all anticipated their special day.
We landed at Reagon International Airport with some special things that happened (you have to go on the flight to find out what happens). We were greeted by a couple hundred folks that were traveling themsevles as well as some girl scouts. It was a cloudy day but warm and pleasant. We viewed the WWII Memorial for our 22 WWII Veterans and then went on to the Korean War Memorial where we had 55 Korean War Veterans and we also had 2 Vietname Veterans on this flight that were terminally ill who were able to see the Vietnam Wall. We also visited the Lincoln Memorial. We then headed over to the Marines Memorial to Iwo Jima Memorial and then on to Arlington Cemetery.
We were able to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown and witnessed the awesome changing of the guard. Our next and final stop was the Air Force Memorial with three spirals reaching to the sky. You can also see the Pentegon from here. We then flew back to Lafayette and were welcomed home by the Patriot Guard and several hundred family and friends of Honor Flight.
We were priviledged to haev 13 Montgomery County Veterans on this flight and they were: Don Carrell, Edward Clemons, Ralph Ford, Thomas Gourley, Ralph Lejeune, Cliff Lough, Albert Lowe, Walter McBee, John Skomp, Erval Tansel, Barry Virgin, Russell Gooding and Norman Zahn. Also a big thank you to the guardians that went on this trip with them.
Local Veteran's, don't forget to come to the Veterans Expo at the American Legion Post 72 on Thursday, October 23rd from 8-2. If you have never spoken to me about your services, please come and let's talk. We may be able to find some benefits for you.