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US Marine Alan Marston cried when he tried to explain his feelings about his first visit to the war memorials in Washington, DC. Marston, of Rutherford County, was among veterans on the Blue Ridge Honor Flight (BRHF) on April 29.
Shedding tears Marston said, "The thing that struck me the most was the school age kids coming up to us and thanking us."
Marston, a two time Purple Heart recipient after spending 13 months in Vietnam, had been to Washington before April 29 but never to visit the war memorials, which is the purpose of the Honor Flight. His wife Marie was his guardian, granted special permission due to Alan's physical health.
Marie, the former Veterans Service Director for Rutherford County said, "You know I have all the respect in the world for these men and women who served and to see actual names and know what these memorials mean to the veterans, my heart is with everyone of them. I call them my brothers and will also be there for them. To see the memorials and watching the veterans, I felt like I was experiencing a part of their life."
Alan Marston was joined by approximately 90 other veterans, guardians, flight leaders, a medic team and supportive flight team, Marston said the day was fantastic and was so glad to be able to go.
Kathy Kelley, a sister of slain Vietnam War soldier Reginald Lynch of Western North Carolina, wept as she read her brother's name engraved on the Vietnam War Memorial Wall.
With her hand pressed on the wall, Kathy said she was just a little girl when her brother went off to the Vietnam War and never came back. She hadn't seen his name on the wall before. It broke her heart, but she was proud to be there.
Kathy, of Buncombe County is a Gold Star Family member, and was among three other Gold Star Family members aboard the flight.
The BRHF was the first time since its inception in 2006 that no World War II veterans were on the flight. When the Honor Flights were first begun, it was a desire to get as many World War II veterans to see their War Memorial as possible. Today many of the Greatest Generation have passed on or not physically able to make the trip.
All veterans on April 29 were during the Vietnam era and two were Korean War veterans.
Other Rutherford Countians on the flight were Lisa Barrett of Forest City, who accompanied Veteran Bill Keck from Chesnee, S.C; Larry Lawing with his son Brian Watson as his guardian; Calvin Spurlin, Terry Moore, Mike Callahan all of Forest City and David Brooks of Bostic, accompanied by guardians Tonya Garrison and Jean Gordon (media representative).
"Honoring and remembering our veterans past and present should be something we do often," Garrison said. "Freedom as we know it is such a gift. I was honored to tour our Nation's Capitol with a group of true heroes."
Barrett has been a guardian on three flights.
"God never called me to serve, but He did call me to serve those who have served or are currently serving our great nation," Barrett began. "Ever since I was a little girl I have had a deep love for our country and the men and women who have been called to defend it."
"I feel so blessed that they share their hearts and stories with me; some of their deepest pain. I am so proud to be an integral part of such a worthy and wonderful organization, Blue Ridge Honor Flight."
Two female veterans -- Michelle Holcomb, nurse and Mary Presnell, assistant to the commander, also made the trip.
Ironically the pilot flying the plane was a female and numerous times throughout the flight to Baltimore she came over the intercom and expressed her gratitude to every veteran and for their service to the country. "It's an honor to fly you today," she said. She had been waiting for years to be able to join the flight, she said.
Since its beginning in 2006 the BRHF with leader Jeff Miller of Hendersonville along with dozens of other volunteers, more than 3,000 veterans from Hendersonville and an additional 2,000 to 3,000 other veterans from Western North Carolina have made the BRHF trips.
Other Honor Flights originate in other parts of the state or nation.
It was a long day for the veterans, but at each stop along the way, in airports and all memorials, they were saluted and thanked for their service by other veterans, Scout troops, young students and the general public. Many held signs thanking them.
Walking off the plane at the Baltimore Memorial Airport, veterans tearfully between two lines of service men saluting them.
Four chartered buses took the veterans and others to the war memorials throughout the day with the last stop at Arlington National Cemetery where veterans witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The first stop was at the Lincoln Memorial, where a wreath laying ceremony was held on the steps of the Memorial overlooking the Washington Mall area. From there veterans either walked or were pushed in wheelchairs to the Vietnam War Memorial Wall and the Korean War Memorial and there was a brief stop at the World War II Memorial.
The tour buses also took the veterans to the Marine Corps War Memorial and Air Force Memorial before arriving at Arlington National Cemetery.
When the plane landed at Asheville Regional Airport after the 15 hour day, veterans were met by a large crowd of people welcoming them home. Bagpipes were played as veterans walked from the plane to the hangar where the crowd applauded them, wives hugged their husbands and children hugged their parents or grandparents.
Vietnam veteran Larry Lawing of Rutherford County was met at the airport by his niece Carol Ramsey.
"She was 10 years old when I got back from Vietnam in 1968. She came with my parents," Larry said.
"It wasn't like this before," Lawing said of his 1968 return from Vietnam.
"Seeing the crowd there, well, it was closure for me," Lawing said.
Coast Guard veteran David Brooks described the day as "one of the highlights of my life." Brooks was met in Asheville by his wife Kaye and a number of friends from Florence Baptist Church where Brooks, Moore, Callahan and Spurlin are members.
Terry Moore was surprised at the airport by his wife Dale.
"It was really a surprise," Terry said, who added "we never got a welcome home before."
He thanked BRHF for everything they did to make the trip so special.
Holly Spurlin Fisher, daughter of Vietnam vet Calvin Spurlin came to Asheville from her home near Weddington. Granddaughter Ellison accompanied her and the two held signs to welcome Calvin home.
"What a joy it was to be in the airplane hanger to welcome these men and women home. Most were Vietnam Veterans and never received any kind of homecoming when they returned. They were greeted with bagpipes, flags, cheers, hugs, thank yous and welcome homes. It was long overdue but I'm so blessed to have experienced it. Ellison and I, along with my parent's lifelong friend Dale and some sweet members from their Florence church family were all there to surprise them. Dad did not know we were coming so the smile on his face when he saw us was priceless and one I will never forget! For me, it was a day that reminded me why America is so great...everyday men and women are ready to answer the call to defend the freedoms that we enjoy when needed. I'm so thankful."
Holly encouraged anyone who has an opportunity to participate in the Honor flight to do so.
After families were reunited at the airport, there were hugs, tears and a relief for many, they finally had closure. They were finally home.
The next Blue Ridge Honor Flight is October 14 and applications will be available for veterans and guardians.
There are many ways to help, especially through financial donations and volunteering time.
The flights are no cost to veterans.
