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Airmen show 'Honor Flight" vets huge welcome

  • Published
  • By Carl Poteat
  • Air University Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  More than 340 military personnel from the Maxwell-Gunter area welcomed Honor Flight veterans of World War II May 2 at Montgomery's Dannelly Field. 

It was the third honor flight for Montgomery and surrounding area veterans of WWII in the past two years. At no cost to the veterans, they are flown on a one-day trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the WWII memorial. Approximately 93 veterans along with volunteer guardians made this trip. 

"The event was a tremendous success," said Capt. Eric Tatum, event project officer. He said he was excited about being selected to be "at the forefront of a special celebration that touches the hearts of both old and young." 

Captain Tatum said members of the Officer Training School, Gunter Noncommissioned Officer Academy, and the Alabama Army National Guard participated with other members from Maxwell and Gunter to form military formations both on the flight line and inside the airport as a tribute to the veterans. 

He added countless military and local community dignitaries joined military retirees and civilians in rounding out the large welcoming crowd. 

Captain Tatum said he, Capt. Marvin Kerr, Capt. Lorraine Grosso, Senior Master Sgt. Terrence Henderson, and Lisa Warr spent more than two months preparing for the ceremony. 

"When the plane landed, the terminal echoed loudly with the cheers of a grateful crowd, both young and old, welcoming these true heroes back home," he said. "As our honored veterans walked down the path of honor shaking the hands of military and civic leaders, the smiles on their faces said it all. Immediately, I knew that all our hard work was worth it."