The 3rd Annual Wamego High School Honor Flight returned home after a whirlwind trip to Washington, D. C. Twenty-five area veterans and 25 Wamego High student guardians, flew out of Kansas City on April 29th. Each veteran was paired with a student guardian for the duration of the trip. They visited the WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Viet Nam Memorial, plus the Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknowns to observe the Changing of the Guard.
A large group greeted the arriving bus. Once the bus was parked, the student guardians departed the bus first, and as each veteran stepped off the bus, they were introduced, their guardian met them and escorted them to their families.
US Army Veteran Gary Carter (Viet Nam) and his student guardian Zachery Brunner were asked about the trip. Carter said the trip was excellent and had a great time. Brunner said he learned there were a lot of different ways to think about something. Brunner asked to announce that they were looking for veterans for next year’s trip.
WWII Veteran Merle Shogren said the trip brought back a lot of memories, while his guardian Dylan Campbell said he gained a new appreciation for anyone of any position. All departed with family and friends.
There was a down-side on the return trip. The bus was detoured to the Wamego Health Center due to a veteran, Tom (Turk) Peddicord becoming ill. His guardian, Rachelle Wylie said the trip was a great experience. She said Turk made it more personal and fun, and he was the life of the party. Peddicord is expected to recover.
