9/10/2008
TIM UNRUH
The M.J. Kennedy Air Terminal was busier than ever this morning as 102 World War II veterans, mostly from northwest Kansas, went through security screening for a day trip to Washington, D.C.
The plane was expected to leave by 8 a.m., but at 10 a.m., the former soldiers were still waiting. It didn't leave until 10:35. Organizers planned to cut short the Washington itinerary so the veterans could still arrive back on time this evening.
A big welcome home is planned in Salina when the veterans return, complete with a high school band, honor guard and a red carpet. Anyone wishing to help with the welcome home should arrive at the terminal, 3237 Arnold, no later than 8:30 p.m. today.
The Transportation Security Administration brought in extra screeners from Wichita and Great Bend to handle the load for the Honor Flight, an all-expense-paid trip for the veterans to see the World War II Memorial and other sites in the nation’s capital.
Veterans and dozens of helpers were waiting on the large jetliner that would fly them to the capital.
“I’m looking forward to it. Our bus ride and the plane ride, this is quite a deal,” said Duane Miller, 88, Stockton, as he waited in line to be screened.
He was an airplane mechanic in the Ninth Air Force who was stationed in England during the war.
The veterans were accompanied by some 35 teenage guardians, who were selected by their high school administrators. They are assisting with the needs of about three veterans each and will learn about the veterans’ war experiences.
With so many veterans dying every day, “time is of the essence,” to get them to Washington, D.C., to see the World War II memorial and other special sites, said Pat Hageman, a Rooks County commissioner who got the Honor Flight started in northwest Kansas. “It’s very humbling to be able to do this.”


For more on the Honor Flight, see Thursday's Salina Journal.