Old Glory Honor Flight #75 takes flight

On July 25, I joined my friends, Keith Parys of Wild Rose, Dan Rigden of Wautoma, and fellow guardian Adam Rigden for the 75th mission of the Old Glory Honor Flight. This was no ordinary flight. Keith and Dan are no ordinary veterans; they are Vietnam veterans. One hundred Vietnam veterans, their guardians, and support staff packed a plane to Washington D.C., a “Yellow Ribbon Flight”, departing from the EAA in Oshkosh.
Our day started at 3 a.m. as the four of us traveled to Oshkosh. We arrived at long lines of volunteers wearing neon vests and holding light sticks, guiding us to the parking area. We then loaded buses and were on our way to the terminal. Old Glory Honor Flight staff greeted us with big smiles and lots of energy.
We learned that joining us for the day would be Medal of Honor recipient Master Sergeant Leroy Petry and his son, Landon. Master Sergeant Petry is one of only 61 living recipients of the Medal of Honor. Humble, kind, and genuinely grateful for our Vietnam veterans, he and Landon spent the day shaking hands and speaking with all of the veterans on the Honor Flight.
I had the privilege to talk with Landon later in the day. He shared with me what it was like to be 5 years old when his dad was injured in combat. We spoke about Gold Star families and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). I could see in Landon the same strength and devotion to others that I could see in his father. I was reminded that strong leaders make strong leaders. Thank you, Landon Petry, thank you, Master Sergeant Petry.
The UW Oshkosh football team was on site and worked with guardians and Honor Flight staff to push wheelchairs and carry equipment across the tarmac to our waiting aircraft. An A321EOW. This plane was well-known to father and son, Dan and Adam Rigden. Dan found a career in corporate aviation after his service in Vietnam, and it was obvious that he shared his knowledge with Adam.

I was blessed with a full education on the airplane and regaled with stories of Dan and his friend building an airplane inside an old theater while Adam explored the old building as a child. The full flight was graciously donated by American Airlines. The pilot, himself a veteran, and the flight attendants, all volunteers for the day.
Soon our plane took flight, a veteran at the wheel. Flight attendants made their way down the aisles with breakfast sandwiches and fruit from Chick-fil-A. For most, the gravity of the day hadn’t sunk in yet. We all heard stories, sometimes a sales pitch here or there for the Honor Flight. We were happy to be there, but few knew just how special this day was going to be.
Flying into the Reagan National Airport, we could see the Pentagon along the storied muddy shores of the Potomac River. The murmur began, and you could hear a low whisper of excitement, “We’re here.” Loaded onto buses, we began our trek across the Arlington Memorial Bridge to the Lincoln Memorial. Enshrined above President Lincoln in the memorial are the words:
IN THIS TEMPLE
AS IN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE
FOR WHOM HE SAVED THE UNION
THE MEMORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN
IS ENSHRINED FOREVER
Like our forefathers, our Vietnam veterans laid it all on the line. For the betterment and in the interest of a more perfect Union. I cannot think of a more fitting sentiment in the legacy of our country and our Vietnam veterans.
A short walk to the Vietnam War Memorial, and veterans were searching for names of their old friends, fulfilling a lifelong promise to NEVER FORGET. With pride, I watched them, hands to the wall. It reminded me that the value of our memorial is in the people it represents. If our heroes are starved of the opportunity to witness these great memorials, what value do they hold to society?
At this point, the heat of Washington DC was becoming noticeable, and the thermostat on the bus was reading 99 degrees. Veterans and guardians alike were sweating profusely, and water was being passed out by the case. But there wasn’t a frown, not one angry tone. One of our fellow veterans would be challenged by the heat of the day, but in true veteran fashion, we did not leave him behind.
To dodge the midday heat, we visited the Smithsonian Institution of American History to learn about the history of our flag and review the military history exhibit. A short bus ride and we were returned to Reagan National Airport. As our plane left DC and the Pentagon slowly faded into the clouds, we started to feel the effects of the long day. But no rest for the weary, mail call is here.
This, for me, was the most rewarding part of the day. Watching Keith, Dan, and all of the veterans on the plane open letters from friends and family. I witnessed a mixture of pride, sadness, and laughter throughout. Keith opened a letter from his nephew, and it immediately evoked laughter. He quickly turned to me and said, “Read this.” I couldn’t resist, and soon I was laughing too. As he continued to share, it was the same reaction every time.
Then Keith’s eyes lit up. You see, on the plane with us was Channel 2 News reporter Chris Roth. One of Keith’s favorite TV personalities. He soon told me that he watches Chris nearly every night, especially when he hosts “On the Clock.” It wasn’t long, and Keith handed Chris the letter from his nephew, “Read this.” Now Chris is laughing, Honor Flight staff are laughing, and a cheerful excitement fills the cabin.
Now, a letter from his lifelong love, Rhonda. Keith often brags that he married the girl next door, having known her since he was 10 years old. She thanked him for his service and expressed her deepest love and pride. Then she apologized, she was struggling with the idea of being in such a large crowd to greet him when he got back to Oshkosh. I could see the tears welling up in Keith, his devotion and love for Rhonda on full display.
Well, mail call was over, and we began our final descent into Wittman Field and the EAA airfield in Oshkosh. The fire department was there to give our veterans a water cannon salute as the plane came to a stop. Out of the windows, we could see thousands of people cheering, “Welcome home! Thank you for your service! It’s never too late to say thank you!” Something these veterans have been waiting more than 50 years to hear.
As we offloaded the plane, the crowd cheered, and many vets couldn’t hold the tears back anymore. Flags were flying proudly, and the Army band played joyous music. Veterans and their guardians made way through the adoring crowd, and I heard a quiet voice calling, “Keith, Keith.” It was Rhonda; she had braved the crowds to see Keith home. Along with Rhonda were his daughter, son, and grandchildren. I could see Keith’s body regain its strength, like a lightning bolt of energy. It had been a long day for me, but it had been an even longer 50+ years for our Vietnam veterans to be welcomed home.
I can say that without a doubt, this day was a special gift for all of us. Thank you for your service, Keith and Dan. Thank you for your service, Vietnam veterans of Old Glory Honor Flight #75. Thank you for your service, Vietnam veterans. Thank you for your service, veterans. Welcome home.