PUBLISHED JUNE 23, 2016
SCC veterans visit Washington, D.C., thanks to Honor Flight
Earlier this month 78 veterans and their guardians made their way to Washington, D.C., to view the monuments and memorials dedicated to the men and women who gave so much for our country.
Several Sun City Center veterans — including George Maling, Barry Myers, Syd Ashbrigge and Howard Volgenau — were among those invited by the Honor Flight of West Central Florida to be part of Mission 26.
Freedom Plaza generously helped out, donating a minibus and driver to take the veterans to and from orientation as well as transportation to and from St. Pete-Clearwater Airport.
Orientation on June 4 began the journey of a lifetime, where veterans were treated like royalty with gifts of shirts, caps, tote bags and an itinerary of things to come. Introductions of guardians were made to each veteran. These escorts volunteer — at their own expense — in order to insure that each veteran is cared for throughout the trip. The orientation began with patriotic songs, the Pledge of Allegiance and an “Imperfect Santa Drill Team.”
Upon arrival in Baltimore, the veterans and guardians boarded a comfortable bus to Washington, D.C., and the tour began: monuments to soldiers of World War I, World War II, Korea and the very moving tribute to the lost soldiers of Vietnam.
After a long day of reflection, memories, tears, laughter and making new friends, Mission 26 returned to St. Petersburg, greeted by a crowd of 200 or more flag-waving well-wishers, with music playing and more gifts for the veterans.
A personalized envelope filled with letters of thanks was given to each veteran. The envelopes contained letters from children, parents, teachers and state representatives, each thanking the veteran in their own way.