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solo1
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« on: October 25, 2015, 12:46:19 PM » |
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Today I got a call from Honor Flight They are sending my T shirt and Korean War Veteran cap to me and I'm definitely on the April or May flight in 2016.
It will be a good experience, I've never been to DC and seen the Korean War Memorial, WWII, or the Vietnam memorial. It's kinda nice to be appreciated to say the least.
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Hook#3287
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« Reply #1 on: October 25, 2015, 12:54:28 PM » |
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That's very cool  The WW2 memorial is amazing! There's so much to see in DC., and it's free. Enjoy it! |
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Patrick
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Posts: 15433
VRCC 4474
Largo Florida
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« Reply #2 on: October 25, 2015, 12:55:24 PM » |
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I think you'll enjoy the trip. The memorials are a real moving experience.
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old2soon
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« Reply #3 on: October 25, 2015, 01:06:57 PM » |
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Wayne-you deserve to go on the Honor Flight. Friends of mine here in the P G R are pushing me to go. I'll go AFTER the rest of the WWII and Korean War vets that are capable have gone. Pretty sure you will enjoy the experience. RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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cookiedough
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« Reply #4 on: October 25, 2015, 02:27:17 PM » |
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The good thing about the memorials and everything else, all are within 1-2 miles tops total and all are free. The memorials are all right in the same area and can be all seen in one day very easily. The WWII and Jefferson memorial are truly impressive in my opinion. Surprised though the reflecting pool when we went in early July was not kept clean and very disgusting water. The 2 Smithsonians and Air/Space Museum are o.k. to see further away, but unless into history, are not a must see in my eyes. There was over a 1 hour wait in line just to see the original Constitution document on display. The only thing I regret not seeing is Arlington Cemetary since we walked ALL of it except that in 4-5 days in D.C. staying at the Marquee Marriott hotel 1+ mile or so from the memorials and the walk to Arlington was across the river yet another 1 mile walk and after 25+ miles of walking on hot concrete for 4 days, we had enough walking for sure. Also spend the time to go see (IMO) the botanical gardens closer to the Capital building even if not a flower/nature lover, I was totally impressed with the variety of plants inside and also free along with the Holocaust Museum (pretty horrific historical events in there and can spend 1/2 a day in there all by itself) right next to the Washington Monument (and memorials) which am sure you will go up in the elevator to be impressed with that as well. Just don't talk to strangers much since while walking downtown in the early morning hours a few blocks away from our hotel heading to the Washington Monument/memorials, a big, tall black 'call girl' kept talking to me wanting my moola for various acts and the ONLY thing I said to her (I think it was a SHE not a HE) passing by her was 'hi'. She was probably getting off her late night shift, if you know what I mean.  I just laughed and kept right on walking away ignoring her comments since nowadays you cannot tell a she from a he. |
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f6john
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Posts: 9741
Christ first and always
Richmond, Kentucky
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« Reply #6 on: October 25, 2015, 04:55:34 PM » |
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Congrats on the Honor Flight and a big thumbs up for your service. I worked in Washington DC in 1970 and it was an interesting place back then and I'm sure even more so now. I would like to make a return visit someday.
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BF
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« Reply #7 on: October 25, 2015, 05:11:05 PM » |
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My wife's dad is 88 (and in better shape than I'm in). He was Navy in WWII.
He's been invited and we've practically begged him to go.
For whatever reason he says he has no interest in going.
I wish he'd change his mind.
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« Last Edit: October 25, 2015, 05:16:07 PM by BF »
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I can't help about the shape I'm in I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin But don't ask me what I think of you I might not give the answer that you want me to  |
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Black Dog
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Posts: 2607
VRCC # 7111
Merton Wisconsin 53029
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« Reply #8 on: October 25, 2015, 07:50:04 PM » |
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Wayne, you deserve the recognition and the trip... My dad made it a few years ago (WWII Vet), and talked about it for the rest of his life. I'm happy for you Black Dog |
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Just when the highway straightened out for a mile And I was thinkin' I'd just cruise for a while A fork in the road brought a new episode Don't you know... Conform, go crazy, or ride a motorcycle...  |
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solo1
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« Reply #9 on: October 26, 2015, 05:00:58 AM » |
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Cookiedough just for information.
The veterans are flown to DC on a special chartered flight.
The veterans are taken by bus to the memorials and, I believe the Changing of the Guard at Arlington. There is a 'guardian' for each veteran, either second generation family member or a volunteer. Guardians pay their own way but vets go free. Wheelchair are for those who need it. It is 100% fully organized and nothing like 'going on your own'.
The return flight to Ft. Wayne is met by family, National Guard, PGR, appreciative citizens, and just about everybody else. My friend, a WWII paratrooper, said he had tears in his eyes from the welcome.
What was especially amazing about the October Flight was that it was 100% paid for by one couple, 70 veterans from this area!
The mayor of Ft. Wayne, was a guardian for one of the WWII veterans, and was himself a Vietnam
veteran.
Wow!
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bigguy
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VRCC# 30728
Texarkana, TX
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« Reply #11 on: October 26, 2015, 05:19:31 AM » |
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Wayne, congratulations. And if I haven't said it before, Thanks for your service.
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Here there be Dragons.  |
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Clayboy
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« Reply #12 on: October 26, 2015, 10:44:23 AM » |
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Ditto what Bigguy said.
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czuch
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« Reply #13 on: October 26, 2015, 11:45:32 AM » |
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I never miss a send off or a welcome home.
Those guys/gals are just flat worn out when they come down the ramp.
Then they see the gathered crowd..............
You'd think they were coming down the gangway home again in '45.
Thanks for your service.
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Aot of guys with burn marks,gnarly scars and funny twitches ask why I spend so much on safety gear
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Pappy!
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« Reply #14 on: October 26, 2015, 10:14:30 PM » |
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Fantastic! And of course we expect a full blown story when you return!
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Alpha Dog
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« Reply #15 on: October 27, 2015, 04:39:05 AM » |
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Very happy for you Wayne. My wife has made arrangements to that same April Trip( out of Dayton, OH ) for her Father a Korean Vet who will be 87. He had been reluctant but either myself or her will go with him, I hope it is me as I have always been a history nut and have gotten him to open up about his role in that War ( Artillery ) .
Chuck
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bassman
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« Reply #16 on: October 27, 2015, 05:54:23 AM » |
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Wayne,
CONGRATULATIONS and THANK-YOU for your service ! My father-in-law (Coast Guard WWII Pacific) went on the Honor Flight out of The Villages a couple of years ago and said it was one of the most memorable experiences of his life. His retired military son (25 years Army) was his “escort" and they both talked about the trip constantly after their return until he passed at 89 last June. They were both so happy they were able to attend together. I’m sure you know or will learn more and more about the trip and preparations in the upcoming months. It is a VERY long day starting at 0 dark 30 and ends close to midnight from The Villages and pretty sure it will be close to the same from your area. My father-in-law did not want to use a provided wheelchair
but after the insistence of his son and the very strong encouragement of the staff he accepted it He later said he would not have been able to enjoy all that was offered without it and most of the attendees from his flight used them also. It is not necessarily a reflection of ones current physical health. Let them pamper you and take advantage of everything they offer. They’ve done this many times and have perfected meeting and anticipating the needs of the attendees to ensure an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Please keep us posted on the preparations and ultimately the flight itself.
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solo1
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« Reply #17 on: October 27, 2015, 07:16:52 AM » |
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I've talked to a few who were on the honor flight. Ft. Wayne is only about an hour flight time from DC.
A breakfast is served to the vets at 0600 at the National Guard headquarters at Baer International airport in Ft. Wayne. Flight is shortly after that. A full tour is all day then the flight returns at about 2100 hours or so with a BIG welcome back from the community. A full day. Even though I can walk, being on my feet all day will be a problem. I'll ask for a wheelchair. My son, Mark (Mad6Gun) will be my escort.
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G-Man
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« Reply #18 on: October 27, 2015, 10:19:48 AM » |
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Wayne-you deserve to go on the Honor Flight. Friends of mine here in the P G R are pushing me to go. I'll go AFTER the rest of the WWII and Korean War vets that are capable have gone. Pretty sure you will enjoy the experience. RIDE SAFE.
Don't wait brother, just go. You never know what the future holds, so just go! There is a special feeling that goes through you when you stand anywhere on that national mall. It's a feeling of pride, of belonging to something special. I know you'll feel it. Too bad there are some who don't, but t's a different thread. GO! |
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FLAVALK
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« Reply #19 on: October 27, 2015, 11:16:36 AM » |
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Do it!
My dad went a year or so ago and loved it
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Live From Sunny Winter Springs Florida via Huntsville Alabama
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