HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. -- Leaders from 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield Garrison gathered to honor America's veterans by wishing them farewell from Hunter Army Airfield as they embarked on an Honor Flight bus ride to visit memorials built to honor their service and sacrifice in our nation's capital April 29.
Twenty-three local Veterans who served during World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War gathered inside the Truscott Terminal on HAAF for a ceremony. Past, present and future service members were represented as six local recruits received a standing ovation after taken the oath of enlistment.
The Hunter Army Airfield Garrison command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Bruce Rock was on hand to show support and listen to stories of the veterans before bidding them farewell. Rock commented on why it is important to honor these veterans.
"There is nothing better than supporting our veterans," Rock said. "We get a bunch of Vietnam Veterans, Korean War Veterans, World War II Veterans, and let them go up to Washington to see their memorials that maybe they wouldn't get a chance to see otherwise is just an amazing feat that we are able to provide."
Army veteran Daniel Foglio served as a Quartermaster during the Vietnam War. He has spent the last 16 years in Statesboro and is a Senior Vice Commander at the local American Legion. Foglio described his excitement to finally see the memorials and spend time with his fellow veterans.
"I just met a couple of people that I have not seen in a long time," Foglio said. "I want to see these things that I have read about and have seen on TV. It is a heck of a feeling to go back and see all the guys that were around when you were. It makes me feel good that I am with my comrades again."
As he began thinking about the trip, Foglio became visibly emotional. He expressed his desire to visit Arlington National Cemetery and witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
World War II veteran Richard Waltz served in the Navy and is looking forward to his first trip to the memorials.
"I am really looking forward to this trip, it should make a nice experience," Waltz said. "I am really impressed. All of the fine gentlemen and your uniforms. If this is indicative of what we are going to see then I think it is off to a grand start."
The veterans received a final send off as they walked down a red carpet lined with service members from different branches. They will spend the next three days touring the nation's capital and reconnecting with their past.
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