Latest news with #WiregrassHonorFlights
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Wiregrass veterans tour war monuments in the nation's capital
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WDHN) — Several Wiregrass veterans had the chance to visit the nation's capital to see the monuments that honor the sacrifices made by our troops overseas. Funded and orchestrated by Wiregrass Honor Flights, these veterans were able to visit the Arlington National Cemetery, where they watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. There, our local veterans were celebrated and thanked by other visitors for their service. After that, the group toured the World War II memorials and the Vietnam Remembrance Wall. Many of these vets served overseas in Vietnam and Korea, making this part of the trip rather personal. Robert Anderson, a retired Vietnam Army Pilot, saw the names of his friends who were killed in battle, a moment of nostalgia and sadness. Anderson recollected those men, including one with whom he had roomed. 'I hated to see him go, we lost another buddy about two weeks later in combat there. You always wondered, and being this close, I wanted to get a trace and see this wall because I know all of these folks gave a great sacrifice to be on this wall, even though you'd rather they weren't.' Afterward, the trip ended at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington. There, the veterans were treated to a special performance from the Air Force Honor Guard Drill team. Followed by a meet and greet with that drill team. For many Vietnam veterans, returning to the United States after their tour was a battle of its own; those soldiers returned home to find that some Americans didn't view them as heroes. Some of those soldiers were spit on or yelled at, due to the visceral response to a war that had become a nationwide political issue. But Wednesday's trip was solely about honoring the sacrifice they made for our country decades ago. 'After the way I was treated when I came back from Vietnam, this day has been wonderful. I just can't believe people are so nice, it makes me feel very good,' said Army Veteran Lonnie Daniels. Our veterans then returned to the Wiregrass Wednesday night, welcomed home with a ceremony at the Daleville Cultural Arts and Convention Center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Sweat4Vets Ruck March happening soon to raise money for Wiregrass Honor Flights
Enterprise, AL (WDHN) – In Enterprise the Sweat4Vets Ruck March is taking place to help raise funds for the Wiregrass Honor Flights that sends WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans to Washington to see war memorials. Happening Saturday, May 17th is the ruck march starting at Church on Boll Weevil Circle. Day of registration starts at 7am and the actual march will start at 7:30am. The March will task males to carry 35 pounds and females to carry 25 pounds on their backs in the form of a 'ruck' and make their way along one of two courses. The two marches are one 5k and one 11-mile march. Click here to register. Proceeds will go to Wiregrass Honor Flight, which is a non-profit organization that sends Veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the Memorials for their wars – WW2, Korea, and now Vietnam. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Wiregrass native named Alabama veteran of the month
ENTERPRISE, Ala. (WDHN) — One Wiregrass veteran has another honor to add to his resume, the latest coming from U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville. Enterprise native, Travis Parker, was named the Alabama Veteran of the Month for April. Parker was drafted during the Vietnam War, and though he did not go overseas, he found his role in the military as a medic. Once soldiers returned to the states, Parker served them and treated them for their wounds. Years later, Parker is still fighting for veterans in several ways. From Wiregrass Honor Flights, which flies our local veterans to the nation's capital to see war museums and memorials, to String 4 Heroes, Parker has his hand in many different outlets that seek to care for our veterans. All of his work earned him the honor of Senator Tuberville. Parker appreciates the recognition, but he says that veterans, especially Vietnam veterans, face many challenges back in the States. 'To me, the veteran suicide issue is the new version of Asian Orange. The Vietnam veterans have the biggest problem with that now,' Parker said. Next month, Parker will be helping out with a veteran suicide awareness workshop in Ozark. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
