Warren's Airmen honor those who've served before

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mike Tryon
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. --  Airmen from F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., recently returned from the Honor Flight trip to Casper, Wyo. The Honor Flight trip was to pay homage to those who have paved the way for today's generation to serve not only in the Air Force, but as part of the United States military.

This is Warren's second Honor Flight trip this year. Earlier in the year, an Air Force Global Strike Command Airman, Master Sgt. Dennis Hayes, 90th Operations Support Squadron, organized Warren's Airmen to escort some of Wyoming's local veterans to the World War II memorial in Washington D.C. for the three day Honor Flight trip.

During this trip, not only did the veterans get to visit the World War II memorial, but they also got to visit the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum in Casper, Wyo. This museum is dedicated to Wyoming's veterans who helped create the history seen in the museum.

"Each Honor Flight trip I go on gives me a greater appreciation for all those who've served before us," said Staff Sgt. John Karel, 90th Civil Engineer Squadron. "Listening to the veterans talk about their experiences and tour lengths, some of which were 33 months or longer, really made me realize what a truly great and proud generation they are."

"I am inspired by the level of commitment they had to the service of our country and the sacrifices they all had to make," he added.

This trip shows respect for the worth and dignity of every Airmen, past and present, Sergeant Hayes said.

"The veterans' stories and gratitude shown while we spent time with them has left an impression on me that I'll never forget," said Airman 1st Class Daniel Lyautey, 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

The group of Airmen who participated in this Honor Flight agreed that everyone should take the time to partake in an Honor Flight, or at a minimum, take the time to sit and talk with veterans from the "greatest generation." It's a great way to show pride in our heritage.

"This experience was an eye-widening event, and has been the greatest time I've ever had in serving people," said Airman 1st Class Tyler Banta, 90th CES.

"No one deserves more honor and respect then these veterans whom we had such greater pleasure in serving," he added.

The next Honor Flight is scheduled to take place in May 2011, where veterans will be taken from Cheyenne, Wyo., to Washington D.C. To volunteer, call Sergeant Karel at 773-2504.