WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Earlier this month, a Division West Soldier acted as a guardian to 93 southwest Oklahoma veterans who traveled here on an Honor Flight to visit memorials.
The Soldier, who wanted to remain anonymous, is assigned to the 479th Field Artillery Brigade's 3rd Battalion, 290th Regiment, based out of Mustang, Okla. His mission was to assist the veterans as they traveled and visited the memorials dedicated to honor the warriors' service and sacrifice.
Although the veterans had been to locations around the world to fight in battles while serving our country, this was the first opportunity for many of them to visit the nation's capital.
Guardians, such as the 479th Field Artillery Brigade Soldier, were there to help. Many of them are the sons and daughters or nieces and nephews of the veterans. Most of those who are not Family members of veterans were veterans themselves.
After landing in Baltimore, Md., the veterans started with a trip to the World War II Memorial. Finished eight years ago, 56 granite pillars represent the unity of each nation and each U.S. state and territory and the District of Columbia.
Next, the veterans visited Arlington National Cemetery and viewed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Lastly, the group went to the Iwo Jima Memorial.
The day ended with a return flight to the Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport, where cheering friends and Family members greeted the veterans.
For more information on the Honor Flight Network, visit www.honorflight.org.
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