Farmers RECC and Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives’ sponsored Honor Flight returned to a rousing welcome home ceremony at Blue Grass Airport on Sept. 16 after a full day of touring Washington, D.C. The flight transported 66 Kentucky veterans to see their memorials on the National Mall.
This is the 12th year the cooperatives have sponsored an Honor Flight. Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives began working with Honor Flight in 2010 to honor Kentucky’s veterans.
This flight carried one World War II, eight Korean War veterans and two women veterans, who were inducted into the Military Women’s Memorial during the trip. The other veterans served our country during the Vietnam War. Two Purple Heart recipients were amongst the veterans on this trip.
Farmers RECC sponsored Gary Deweese and William ‘Bud’ Tarry on this year’s Honor Flight.
“I’m proud of my service and I’d do it all over again,” said Harrison County resident and Purple Heart recipient Barry Gene Roseberry, who was wounded in Vietnam in August of 1969 with six weeks left in his tour. “I feel very lucky. I got a piece of shrapnel in my wrist and had a hunk taken out of my leg.”
Jim Rains, a Whitley County cattle farmer, was severely wounded in Vietnam both by shrapnel from bombs and bullet wounds in 1969. Numerous scars on his body are a testimony to his bravery, resilience, and service to his country. Rains received the Purple Heart as a result of his wounds.
“It’s a privilege to be able to fly these veterans to their memorials, and it’s an opportunity to repay them in some small way for their service to our nation and our community,” said Toby Moss, President and CEO of Farmers RECC.
“Honor Flight is a significant part of Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives’ commitment to our local communities,” Moss said.
As in years past, veterans flew from Lexington to Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., where they boarded three buses for a full day of honors and sightseeing.
The day included viewing the changing-of-the-guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Kentucky veterans also participated in a wreath-laying service at the tomb.
Learn more at www.honorflightky.org and www.togetherwesaveky.com/community.
If you or someone in your family is a Farmers RECC member and a veteran, please consider applying for a future flight at www.honorflightky.org.