News Summary
East Texas veterans received a hero’s welcome in Washington D.C. as part of the Brookshire Grocery Company Heroes Flight. The event featured a water cannon salute at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport and a ceremonial police escort to the U.S. Capitol, where Congressman Nathaniel Moran honored the veterans. The day’s events included a visit to the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial and culminated in a dinner near the White House. Community members are invited to welcome the veterans home, highlighting their sacrifices and service.
Tyler, Texas – East Texas veterans received a hero’s welcome upon arrival in Washington D.C. for the Brookshire Grocery Company Heroes Flight. This annual event honors the military service of veterans through an all-expenses-paid trip that aims to offer a unique lifetime experience for those participating. The trip commenced with a ceremony at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, which featured a water cannon salute to celebrate the departing veterans.
Upon landing in Washington D.C., the veterans received a similar ceremonial welcome, complete with a police escort to the U.S. Capitol. Congressman Nathaniel Moran met with the veterans at the Capitol, where he granted them access during the ongoing government shutdown. Moran emphasized the importance of honoring veterans as a non-partisan effort, stating that they are “the heartbeat of who we are as Americans.”
The group of veterans included participants from various eras, such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, Iraq War, and Afghanistan War. This diverse representation allowed veterans to share and connect over their unique experiences. Ray Bowen, an Air Force and Navy veteran, noted the value of such connections across different war experiences, while Gerry Davis, another Air Force veteran, expressed gratitude for the warm treatment received throughout the trip.
The day’s itinerary included a visit to the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, significant for Army veteran Mary Ann Epperson-Nilson, who spoke about her struggles with health effects from Agent Orange exposure. She appreciated the recognition of disabled veterans, highlighting the importance of acknowledging their sacrifices.
The first day of the trip concluded with a dinner at The Hamilton, located near the White House. A send-off ceremony took place at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, featuring students from All Saints Episcopal School and members of the Tyler Junior College Apache Belles, among others. During the send-off, veterans received quilts made by a local quilting group. Tyler Mayor Don Warren and State Representative Daniel Alders were present at this emotional gathering, and the Gideons International gifted Bibles to the veterans before they boarded the flight.
The flight included veterans from various conflicts, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, War in Afghanistan, and War in Iraq. The Brookshire Grocery Company sponsors this initiative to honor the service and sacrifices made by veterans throughout history. During the trip, planned visits include monuments and memorials such as the World War II Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and various military honors, enriching the experience for all participants.
Community members are invited to welcome the veterans home on Wednesday, October 22, at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. Their expected landing time is around 6:15 p.m. KLTV 7 anchor Blake Holland is accompanying the veterans and providing exclusive coverage from Washington D.C., ensuring that the stories of sacrifice and honor are shared with the wider public.
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Additional Resources
- KLTV: East Texas Veterans Arrive in Washington D.C. for Heroes Flight Trip
- KLTV: Video of East Texas Veterans Arrival in Washington D.C.
- Fox 10 Phoenix: Honor Flight Thanks Military Vets on Trip to Washington D.C.
- Wikipedia: Veterans’ Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Veteran
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
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