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Best way to visit DC

Armed Ferret

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 31, 2006
517
3
DPR Maryland
Had the very distinct opportunity of being an Honor Flight Guardian today. Those not familiar with the Honor Flight program, their mission is to fly WWII vets, free of charge to Washington, DC so they can visit the WWII memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Iwo Jima memorial, and other local landmarks.

I had the great honor of getting to escort some of these fine gentlemen around today--basically got the day off from my boss to go hang out with some very spry, dirty old men. :p There was a fairly attractive USAF Master Sergeant, and a handful of them kept trying to sneak smooches. I laughed my arse off watching her try and avoid them. It was hilarious.
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Anyway, here's a few photographic highlights.

The group:

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The gentleman in the black sportcoat, front row, second from left, is an original Tuskeegee Airman. And if you look in the back row, one more over from him (dark hat, sunglasses) that's Harry, the vet I was paired up with. USMC, with some incredible stories.

The Lincoln Memorial, reflecting pool, and the WWII Memorial in the foreground:

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(The fence is there due to the upcoming July 4th celebration; the fireworks will be launched from the reflecting pool area)

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Some of our leaders in Washington could learn a great deal from this block of marble.
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A little photoshop action on one of the mandatory stops at Arlington:
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And I certainly wasn't gonna let this guy get back on his plane without a photo.
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Definitely worse ways a fella could spend a day in DC.


And if anyone's interested in tossing a few bucks their way (100% goes to getting the vets to DC and giving them their tours, all non-vets with the program are volunteers) or signing up a vet for a free trip, they can be found at www.honorflight.org

They're a great organization, and I can't wait till the next group comes out in a week or so.
 
Re: Best way to visit DC

There are very few people in America whose day could've surpassed yours. You are a fortunate man. Thanks for taking the time to escort those gents thru the sights of DC.
My uncle passed away last year never having seen the new WWII memorial. I'll always regret not taking him there. He flew in B-25s out of North Africa and Italy. He had some cool stories.
 
Re: Best way to visit DC

Believe me, no thanks are necessary. I had an awesome time, and just got the schedule today for the rest of the year. I have a LOT of available days to do it, and I'm planning on hitting up as many as they'll allow me to do.
 
Re: Best way to visit DC

Very cool! As we lose these great soldiers/citizens it concerns me more about the direction of our country. As their replacements are not nearly as dedicated to the cause. Good on you for taking the time to show these guys around.
 
Re: Best way to visit DC

Wow! That's out<span style="font-style: italic">standing</span>!
 
Re: Best way to visit DC

What a wonderful way to spend the day in D.C. and get first hand accounts of history from those who were there. Thank you for taking the time to help them out. MM
 
Re: Best way to visit DC

My No1, Riki, went out to SD with my Pop to be at a gathering of the USS Salt Lake City 'Swayback Maru' Heavy Cruiser Vets of WWII. He was very well received and had a blast hearing all the history first hand. He is looking forward to the trip next year all ready too!