Farmers RECC and Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives’ sponsored Honor Flight returned to a rousing welcome home ceremony at Blue Grass Airport on August 24 after a full day of touring Washington, D.C. The flight transported 68 Kentucky veterans to see their memorials on the National Mall.
This is the 14th 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 year, Farmers RECC sponsored Mr. Samuel Chambers and Mr. Roger Lee Waggoner.
This flight carried two women veterans, who were inducted into the Military Women's Memorial during the trip. Veterans served our country during Korean and Vietnam Wars. three Purple Heart recipients were amongst the veterans on this trip.
"It's hard to talk about it," said Chuck Wellman of his service. Wellman served in the 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds" in Vietnam from 1968-1969. The Greenup County resident said he's looking forward to boarding a plan for the first time since he was discharged from the armed forces in 1970. "There was a guy I went to basic (training) and AIT (advanced individual training) with and went to Vietnam with who got killed," Wellman recalled. "I've seen the replica of (The Wall), and I want to see the real thing.
"It was rough, but I'd do it again. Service means a lot to me," Wellman said.
Taylorsville resident Carl Schuler said he guarded flight lines and helicopters during this tour in Vietnam, where he was eventually promoted to Specialist, 5th class, commonly known as a sergeant's rank. "Definitely proud of it," Schuler said of his service.
He added the Vietnamese were super people. "I really sympathized with the Vietnamese people," he said.
“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.