World War II veterans to travel to nation's capital on Flight of Honor - Gaston Gazette

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These World War II veterans from Gaston County will travel to Washington as part of the Flight of Honor program Saturday:

James Arrowood , Lowell, Army

Daniel Bain, Gastonia, Army

Ray Homesley, Cherryville, Army

Robert Howe, Gastonia, Navy

John "Jack" Iverson Jr., Gastonia, Army

B.J. Keller, Gastonia, Navy

John Kendrick, Gastonia, Navy

James Miller, Gastonia, Navy

David Morris, McAdenville, Army Air Force

Ralph Parrish, Mount Holly, Navy

Charles Stribling, Gastonia, Marine Corps

James Tate, Gastonia, Navy

George Wilson Jr., Gaston County, Army Air Force

Since 2008, Rotary clubs in Gastonia have been helping to fly World War II veterans to the nation's capital to see the monument that stands as their prominent tribute.

The seventh and possibly the last of those locally organized flights will depart from Charlotte on Saturday. And by the time the veterans return, the experience will have been made possible for more than 700 area men and women who fought to preserve America's freedom as young adults, before going on to live long lives.

"It's really a heartwarming experience," said Lamar Gunter, spokesman for Rotary District 7680, which comprises 55 clubs in Gaston and 13 other counties. "When I made the trip with them last year, I must tell you I had tears in my eyes almost the entire time we were in Washington, D.C."

Several local Rotary clubs have taken part in the Flight of Honor initiative in the last three years. It's reflective of numerous other programs across the nation that seek to transport veterans to the National World War II Memorial, allowing them to see the striking monument firsthand.

Thirteen Gaston County veterans will be on this outing. Those who make the trip also visit a number of other military memorials in the nation's capital, as part of the organized program. The cost of the trip is about $500 per veteran, though the Rotary clubs pick up those expenses.

Medical specialists and 'guardians' who accompany the veterans — many of whom are children or other family members — typically pay a reduced fare to make the trip.

Before they depart at 9:15 a.m. Saturday from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, those making the trip will be treated to a performance from a band that will play patriotic music. Veterans who never knew each other before typically bond and share stories about their experiences during the plane flight, Gunter said.

"By the end of the day, they've met lots of folks and made lots of new friends," he said.

Dozens of volunteers with the United Service Organization, a nonprofit that provides morale and recreational services to members of the U.S. military, will welcome the group to the nation's capital, waving flags and offering cheers. Schoolchildren from the area will hand them thank-you cards and shake their hands.

"It's just a real moving experience," Gunter said.

Former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole or his wife, former N.C. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, are typically there to welcome a North Carolina delegation to the World War II memorial, and sometimes both attend.

When the veterans return to the Charlotte airport about 8:30 p.m. Saturday, another group of supporters will be there to welcome them back and offer thanks.

Local Rotarians Steve Driscoll, the fundraising director, and Kelly Morris, the Flight of Honor committee chairman, have been instrumental in helping to organize the flights, Gunter said. He estimated that between 70 and 100 Gaston County veterans have made the trip in the last three years.

"Right now, this is planned to be the last one," he said. "But it's certainly possible that if there are enough veterans on a waiting list, we may wind up having another flight next spring."

Saturday promises to be a memorable day for all involved.

"It does mean a lot to these guys," said Gunter. "So many of these veterans didn't get this kind of treatment when they came home."

You can reach Michael Barrett at 704-869-1826.