LAS VEGAS (FOX5) —Korean and Vietnam War veterans returned home Sunday after traveling to Washington, D.C., with Honor Flight Southern Nevada Mission 26 to tour war memorials.
The send-off and arrival
The trip began at Harry Reid International Airport Friday morning, where veterans got a warm sendoff. Then on the ground in Baltimore, people at the gate area cheered and clapped as the veterans stepped off the plane. The cheering and clapping continued all the way down the terminal, just before the group arrived at baggage claim.
Amber Norwood served as a guardian on the trip for her grandfather, Korean War veteran Lanny Babcock. Guardians are with each veteran the entire trip.
“He’s my hero. And now I see he’s other people’s hero as well,” Norwood said.
Another veteran said, “Good people they were. Very nice and courteous. I wouldn’t mind coming here to visit.”
Touring the memorials
The next day, the group visited the World War II Memorial, the Air Force Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, Vietnam Women’s Memorial and Navy Museum. Three veterans shared a moment at the Vietnam Women’s Memorial to remember the sacrifice and service of women in war.
“My husband was over there and saw a lot of loss also. It’s just very sad to be here. It’s just very sad. I can’t even say anything else,” said Vietnam Veteran Sharon McGuire.
Homecoming
The welcome home was emotional for some veterans, including Vietnam War veteran Allen Swena. His daughter described the experience.
“That was probably the greatest experience I’ve had with him. To be able to experience that with him was an honor for me, so I’m truly blessed,” said Heather Brose.
Swena was a sonar technician during the war and served two tours in Vietnam. He later worked as an engineer, changing the bulbs at the Luxor before moving on to Circus Circus.
Watch for more Honor Flight Southern Nevada stories on the trip over the next several weeks.
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