Rutherford Weekly - Shelby NC
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1499555
Thursday, May 18-May 24, 2023 www.rutherfordweekly.com 828-248-1408 Rutherford Weekly - Page 19 What an honor to be on the Blue Ridge Honor Flight (BRHF) on April 29 as 90 veterans, at least six from Rutherford County, their guardians, team leaders and others were fl own to Washington, DC to visit the war memorials built in honor of those who served in the country's wars. The majority of the veterans aboard the fl ight in April were from the Vietnam War. There were a few veterans from the Korean War and at least three Gold Star families. Since 2006 thousands of veterans from Western North Carolina have had the privilege of being fl own to Washington to visit the memorials and monuments, thanks to the vision of Jeff Miller of Hendersonville, co- founder of the BRHF. Miller wanted as many veterans to get to DC as possible and in the early days, the fl ights carried thousands of World War II veterans - those from the Greatest Generation. For the fi rst time since the inception of the BRHF there were no World War II veterans on the trip. There are fewer and fewer of those who are able to make the trip. Miller, as always, was aboard the fl ight just a few weeks ago and he talked about the privilege of seeing these veterans visiting their memorials. Tonya Garrison and myself were privileged to be the guardians for four veterans from Florence Baptist — David Brooks, Mike Callahan, Terry Moore and Calvin Spurlin. There are really no words to describe what a pleasure and honor it was to be on the fl ight. The long day for me began at 3:45 a.m. and concluded when we returned to the church parking lot at 10:30 p.m. It was one of my favorite days ever. To see these women and men being honored every step of the way that day from the time we arrived at Asheville Regional that morning to landing at Baltimore Washington International Airport to the return to Asheville Regional after 9:30 that evening was awesome. Throngs of young people, scout troops, the general public, other veterans and leaders from the State and Nation's Capitol were at every stop that day. When we arrived in Baltimore, veterans walked between the Naval Academy Cadets and Fort Meade active servicemen standing at attention. I can't describe how that felt, just as a guardian and a media representative. Cold chills ran all over my body and that would not be the fi rst time that day. Tears came on other occasions as I saw these veterans fi nally receiving a proper welcome home. One veteran said as he boarded the plane for the fl ight back to Asheville, "this was beyond any expectations and I feel like I can fi nally say and feel that the war (Vietnam) is over." A Gold Star family member said this was the best day of her adult life. Vietnam War veteran Larry Lawing of Rutherford County was with his son Brian Watson, also a military veteran. Brian was his dad's guardian. Vietnam War veteran Alan Marston, a two time Purple Heart recipient, of Rutherford County was also on the fl ight. His wife, former Veterans Director Marie Marston, was his guardian. It was a good day for them as well. When Terry Moore from Forest City arrived back home, he was also overwhelmed by the crowd of hundreds gathered at the hangar in Asheville. He felt "closure" for the fi rst time since he left Vietnam as a young soldier many years ago. Jeff Miller said there was a record breaking crowd awaiting the veterans at the Asheville hangar. Family and friends, some dressed in patriotic blue, red and whites, cheered as the Veterans deplaned. There were long hugs from husbands to wives, daughters to dads and grandchildren to their grandparents. In 2006 I was privileged to fl y with the late Phillip Robbins and two other private pilots — Patrick Parton and John Robbins — to take about 20 veterans to Washington. Robbins knew what Jeff Miller was doing to join and help. That day, like April 29 will forever be marked in my mind as two of the best days ever. When I went in 2006, all our Rutherford County veterans were from World War II and the new monument had just been fi nished in Washington. I will forever be thankful for Phillip Robbins and the experience back in 2006 and for Jeff Miller for what he and his co-founder and team of supporters do on a regular basis for veterans. On the April 29 fl ight home, Vietnam Veteran Mike Callahan of Forest City was sitting beside me on the plane. "Who pays for this?" he asked me. You see, veterans fl y free, thanks to the Blue Ridge Honor Flight nonprofi t organization. Guardians and others pay a fee to join the veterans. The next Blue Ridge Honor Flight is October 14. Perhaps you are a veteran or know one who would like to join the fl ight or maybe you want to help as a guardian or to support these brave men and women who fought for our freedoms. Please visit the Blue Ridge Honor Flight's Facebook page and see all the biographies of all the veterans who fl ew on April 29, dozens of other pictures and hear more of their stories. And you can make a monetary contribution by sending a check, calling or visiting the website. You'll be glad you have a part of this great organization. PO BOX 18057 Asheville, NC 866-224-4094 • blueridgehonorfl ight@ gmail.com • blueridgehonorfl ight. com/about-us.html Contact Jean: gordonjean211@gmail.com WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY TO BE AN AMERICAN By: Jean Gordon Just a few of the veterans, families and friends at the Welcome Home on April 29 at the Asheville Regional Airport. Call 828-248-1408 today to promote your business with print advertising that leaves a lasting impression! Subscribe • Renew • Advertise 828-248-1408 157 West Main St., Forest City www.rutherfordweekly.com WEEKLY RUTHERFORD We reach more than 25,000 readers every week, and we know how to make the most of your advertising budget!