This is going to be a long but I believe it will be worth your time: Last Thursday I had the distinct honor of escorting my father, Willard Parnell to Washington, DC on the Bluegrass Honor Flight. Honor Flight is a non-profit organization that takes veterans to see our nations War Memorials. Dad was one of 25 veterans (20 WWII, 3 Korean, and 2 Viet Nam) to receive a seat on this Honor Flight. Each veteran was accompanied by a guardian, Dad liked Co-Pilot better, so more than 50 of us left Louisville early that morning for BWI, a police escort to DC, visited; WWII Memorial, Korean Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, Air Force memorial prior to another very intense police escort back to BWI for our flight home. I made an attempt to talk with every veteran about their experience; youngest 69 the most senior was 96 and this experience, as noted by several, was one of the best days of their life! Upon arrival at BWI, Dad noticed an emergency vehicle on the side of the tarmac and asked, “Is that normal?” My reply, “Probably practice,” the pilot then said, “Don’t be alarmed, the fire trucks are welcoming you veterans with a water cannon salute!” The first time (of the day) I nearly lost it, very emotional day for many, including yours truly! Click on the links; one is the video I took of the return, the Facebook link connects you to Touchstone Energy’s Facebook page. Be sure to look at the photos and the video of the police officer during the escort. My thanks to Touchstone not only for my Dad but they do this once/year. If you have a veteran in your family—I encourage you to look into Honor Flight. It will be a day, most often referred to as one of the best days of their life! As we departed BWI, the flight crew was very engaged with the Honor Flight team; an old fashion Mail Call was announced and every veteran received a package with letters/cards from home. A quick call out to Southwest Airlines for assisting in their contribution to make this day happen! Also Farmers RECC/Touchstone Energy board member Ronnie Smith nominated Dad for this trip. https://facebook/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/TSEhonorflight https://youtube/watch?v=JxH6Tv-5OcU&feature=youtu.be
Posted on: Wed, 08 Oct 2014 02:11:19 +0000
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