Roswell Rotary Honor Air Leader Alicia Hughes announced the Honor Air trip to Washington, DC, would include 89 veterans, “Guardians” were assigned to each Veteran - mine was Sandy Buhler, and the Roswell Police, EMT’s, a doctor, and other security personnel, totaling 145. The trip was to begin at 4:15 am and end around 10:45 pm the same day. Three 3 buses departed Roswell Area Park and drove by a large U.S. flag hung by the Roswell Fire Department boom-ladder truck. The bus was escorted by numerous blue light police motorcycles to airport. To our surprise, and amazement the American Legion Patriot Guard provided several members to greet us there surrounded by flags and other memorabilia. Airport staff and service providers were out on the tarmac, as well as the American Legion flag bearers providing smiles and thumps-up – it was an excellent welcome home completely contrasting to what we didn’t get upon our return back in the 60’s and 70’s – WELCOME HOME!!
When we boarded the chartered American Airlines plane, it was noticed that the interior was adorned with State flags over the various seats, as well as American flags, and such. Around 7:00 a.m. our flight departed and we were asked to look outside both sides of the plane. Fire trucks on both sides were firing a volume of water over the aircraft as a salute to us – HONORABLE. When we arrived at Reagan airport in Washington DC, to our astonishment we were greeted with applause, laughter, high-fives, a red-carpet welcome from the staff and awaiting well-wishers. We were to make a "surprise trip" first and then visit the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam and Korean Memorials, and maybe a visit to the Iwo Jima Memorial after we visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Changing of the Guard at 5:00, followed by a bus tour of the Arlington National Cemetery. That "surprise visit" was a tour of the U. S. Navy Academy in Annapolis, MD! A grand-daughter of one of the veteran attendees was a midshipman at the Navy Academy. I was truly impressed with Academy and its history and grandeur! Next we travelled to The Vietnam Memorial – The Wall That Heals – it was emotional for most all of us. While touring this hallowed place of quiet and somber honor, many checked the walls for names of those that never returned from whom they knew, or were familiar with. Dave checking for his former Platoon Sergeant, Staff Sergeant Edward Crooks, who died in August 1966 in Company “A”, 7th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Marine Division in I Corps, one of the 133 KIA’s his Battalion lost during that war, and of Dave during his first tour in Vietnam as a Combat Engineer. Afterwards we toured the Korean War Memorial which was quiet, solemn and chill provoking. We boarded the buses for the Arlington Cemetery next. We saw Rows of veterans who
paid the ultimate sacrifice and at the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier we witnessed the Changing Of The Guard, which was a sight to behold. At this juncture I want to say “Thank You” in a shoutout voice to my friend, and fellow attendee, Tony Gasper, Commandant, Marine Corps League, Lance Corporal Skip Wells Detachment 647 (Marietta) for being kind enough to push my wheel chair throughout this very fast paced adventure, as he literally ran up the hill to position us for the Guard Changing. If you have not attended the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in my humble opinion, it certainly should be on your bucket list to do so – so very solemly moving. Time for our flight, the bus driver was talented enough to do a drive by of the Iwo Jima Memorial. When entering the Reagan Airport once again to our
astonishment we were greeted with applause, laughter, high-fives, a red-carpet welcome from the Airport staff and awaiting well-wishers. Absolutely breathtaking.
It was a tiring day, and the flight back to Hartsfield International Airport and the bus trip back to Roswell was filled with naps. Upon arriving at the Roswell Area Park we were met with flag waving family and friends and a Welcome Home sign. And for me, to top if off, the wheel chair that had been provided for my journey was gifted to me – I stand amazed, thankful and humbled, and we were presented with a Roswell Rotary Honor Air Challenge Coin as well. Tony Gasper and I presented our Guardian, Sandy Buhler, with a Marine Corps League, Lance Corporal Skip Wells Detachment 647 (Marietta) Challenge Coin, and as the Past President of Chapter One, GVVA I presented her with one of our Challenge Coins as well – she was touched.
The words “Thank You So Very Much” are totally insufficient and inadequate for this trip of a lifetime. My deepest gratitude to Alicia Hughes, Sandy Buhler, Jana Burns, Mike Neilson, Gene Beckham, Jack Wyche and Mr. Chrzanowski (representing his deceased son Alex, the provider of funds for this expensive $180,000 trip). SEMPER FI TO ALL!!
BIO: David Hambrick
Past President (Emeritus), GVVA Foundation, Inc.
Past Vice President, GVVA (State)
Past President, GVVA Chapter One
Past Judge Advocate, MCL Detachment 647