KEARNEY, Neb. — For some of the World War II veterans on the Buffalo County Hero Flight, the trip to Washington, D.C., may be the last major trip they take.
“I’m glad I went,” said Eugene Chartraw of Ansley. “It will probably be my last trip. ... I enjoyed the World War II Memorial. It was outstanding, no doubt about that.”
For Kearney residents Gayle Woodruff and Willard Phillips, the trip — which concluded when the veterans came home Saturday — was a chance to renew a friendship. When he read a news story about Phillips’ experience at Pearl Harbor, Woodruff recognized Phillips as someone he knew while growing up in the Hollinger area.
He called Phillips, and they chatted on the phone. The two met at the sendoff ceremony for the first time since the 1930s. They spent the rest of the trip getting reacquainted.
At last Wednesday’s sendoff, Patriot Guard members stood in a flag line while veterans and escorts walked from their cars to the American Legion Club and from the club to their bus, decorated in red, white and blue. Many Patriot Guard members shook hands with the veterans and said a simple thank you.
Two Patriot Guard riders escorted the bus as far as York.
Upon arrival at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Thursday, the veterans received a hero’s welcome. Waiting passengers applauded, and a few shook the veterans’ hands and thanked them for their service. A few veterans were humbled by the attention.
“That was quite the welcome,” said Carl Krolikowski of Loup City, who served in the Navy.
“Wasn’t that something,” said Gerald Minnick of Inavale. “I was astonished.”
Everywhere else in D.C., the veterans were treated like celebrities. Many visitors were drawn to the “WWII Hero Flight” caps and visors that veterans and their escorts were sporting.
Bryce Erickson of Kearney was impressed by the young people who approached him.
“I had so many people show appreciation — strangers, complete strangers,” he said. “I appreciate that a lot of them were young people from other states.”
At Arlington National Cemetery, a group of students shook Phillips’ hand. At the World War II Memorial, tourists visited with the veterans. John Cousins of Peru, Ind., and his family chatted with Roland Nyquist of Kearney.
“We have what we have today because of you,” Cousins told Nyquist. Cousins then asked if he and his family could have their picture taken with him. Nyquist obliged.
Sherry Morrow of Kearney, who is on the Buffalo County Hero Flight Committee, said the veterans on the trip were humble even with all the attention.
“If they hadn’t gone and done all that (served in the war), none of us would have the lifestyle and the opportunities we have today,” Morrow said.
Dean Birt of Oxford said the trip was a great weekend. “I’ve made new friends — people I never knew before. I enjoyed it thoroughly, even as hot as it was. I’m sure this is my last trip, and I’m glad I took it.”
Deward McIntosh of Palmer said the trip was a memorable one and gave credit to its organizers.
“I don’t know who had this idea, but it was a great idea,” he said. “I’m glad I went along.”
Copyright ©2012 Omaha World-Herald®. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, displayed or redistributed for any purpose without permission from the Omaha World-Herald.
