Five Rutherford Vietnam vets on Honor Flight that flies out Saturday

The Blue Honor Flight's spring trip to Washington, DC is Saturday, April 19 with five Vietnam Veterans from Rutherford County making the flight to visit the war memorials and monuments placed in their honor.

Vietnam Veterans making the trip are Neil Baker, Bruce Lancaster, Jim Ayers, Gunny Swope and Mary Ann Smith.

Smith was a nurse in Vietnam.

Also on the flight Saturday will be two World War II veterans, six Korean War veterans and 88 Vietnam vets, including the five from Rutherford County.

"This is going to be such an emotional trip for many having the nurses on board and I'm sure it will be emotional for the nurses seeing their monument in person," said Lisa Barrett, guardian. There are three nurses from Vietnam going, including Smith.

Everyone is encouraged to attend the Welcome Home ceremony at 8:30pm on Saturday at the Signature Air Hangar at the Asheville. Friends, family and the general public are encouraged to attend the welcome the veterans back home.

"We need as many people there as possible since it's Easter Saturday and Spring Break, the Welcome Home crowd could be down," said Barrett.

Those attending the Welcome Home event may park at WNC Ag. Center Gate 7; free shuttle to and from the hangar.