WWII vets honored before trip to D.C.

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stefanie Torres
  • 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (ACCNS) --  Today's generation may best understand the history and sacrifice behind a worldwide conflict through old war movies.
 
But to the 130 WWII veterans who donned their military uniforms once again and packed their bags to come to Hill Air Force Base Sept. 14, the pictures of war are forever embedded in their mind from first-hand experience.
 
A Utah-based, non-profit organization, "Operation Hero Flight," raised support to invite each veteran to spend a three-day trip to visit the WWII memorial and Arlington National Cemetery near Washington D.C. in honor of the service and sacrifice of the state's WWII veterans. 

The Hero Flight departed Hill Sept. 14 and returned Sept. 16. 

The 388th Fighter Wing hosted the hour-long send-off ceremony for the veterans, which included remarks from Congressional Representatives, the Utah Governor and 388th FW commander. 

"This trip means someone appreciates what we did," said Mr. Charles Hawkes, who was an infantry rifleman. "I think this is great. We received a salute coming on base and that's a good tribute to those who are left." 

During a short-film presentation, war pictures and quotes on the screen invited sniffles and tears throughout the audience. 

From the beaches of Normandy to the island of Iwo Jima, these heroes have served their nation during one of the deadliest conflicts in history. 

For Mr. William Newland, a former Marine pfc., his memories of the battles at Iwo Jima and Saipan are still overwhelming. "We were the first to hit the beach at Iwo Jima," he said. "My job was to take the wounded back. The worst part was not being able to take them all because there were so many." 

Mr. Newland was also there for the infamous flag-raising event. "I saw the flag go up and it meant so much to us," he said as his eyes filled with tears. 

During the ceremony, three Utah-native brothers were presented the flag by the Hill Honor Guard to carry to Arlington National Ceremony Saturday. Their two other brothers whom passed away in the last few months, will be honored. The five brothers served at the same time but in different parts of the world. 

"I have so many memories," said Mr. Fred Johnson, one of the brothers who served on the U.S.S. Snowbell. But his sense of humor from his journey at sea still remains. "I didn't eat for seven days, and we took a zig-zag motion to Europe. I was so seasick I didn't think I was going to make it," said Mr. Johnson. "I didn't kiss the ground like others did but I definitely was thankful that I made it." 

One veteran was on board the U.S.S. Enterprise, the most decorated battleship in history. The 86-year-old veteran has his entire Navy uniform intact and planned to wear it to a banquet in D.C. 

Another veteran, Mr. Vern Little, is one of only two in his unit to survive an attack on Iwo Jima. He wanted to go to Arlington to give a final salute to his commander who is buried there. 

Col. Scott Dennis, the 388th FW commander, spoke at the ceremony. "We owe our military strength to the generations of heroes who went before us - adhering to principles of loyalty, duty, respect, honor, integrity, courage, commitment and service," he said. 

"To our veterans, please know that your legacy is remembered and respected by this generation. We aim to continue bringing your values and strength to this conflict," he said. "There are few times in our lives when we will be able to touch history like today," said Col. Dennis. 

Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. also made remarks at the send-off ceremony. "Freedom isn't free," he said. "Ultimately each generation will likely have to stand up and defend our freedom and liberty. Today we are among the greatest generation. The generation who defended those principles like no other," he said. 

Hero Flight ended around 5:30 p.m. Sunday as the vets were greeted by cheering family members waving their American flags and signs. The 419th Fighter Wing was there upon their arrival to give them a final welcome home as well.