Page 29 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2017- Online Magazine

make the trip. Soon he received the letter from the “While serving as the 2014 Volunteer Coordinator for
Honor Flight staff that he’d been selected, and to the Texas South Plains Honor Flight, I raised my own
start packing his bags! We discussed the possibilities funds to go
that either he might not make it back home, or the as a Guardian
physical stress of the trip would be detrimental with various
to his health when he did return. My dad looked fundraisers
me in my eyes and said that he understood the including singing
consequences. He not only wanted to go, but he and playing
wanted to pay my way as well. We had a moment the mountain
dulcimer at
of understanding that will forever remain in my backyard BBQs,
heart long after Dad has left this earth. etc. Many thanks
to the folks in the community for their generosity &
“Being a Guardian for my dad was one of the support.”
proudest chapters in my life. I not only witnessed, Katherine McLamore
but also experienced an emotional roller coaster as Guardian and Texas South Plains Honor Flight
this “trip of a lifetime” unfolded. The two of us now Committee
share a myriad of heart-warming memories. We
giggled while staying in the same hotel room. There All committee members and guardians share a love
were tense moments when his oxygen machine was and respect for our veterans with many of them being
running out of battery charge. We both shed tears veterans themselves. Wouldn’t you like to be a part of
during his Iwo Jima memorial ceremony, and stood what we call “living history”? Young or old, there is a
in awe at the changing of the guards at the Tomb place for you on the Texas South Plains Honor Flight. We
of the Unknown Soldier. We even shared some want YOU to help honor our area veterans.
anxious moments as we looked for a model of the
naval cargo ship he served on in the early 50’s. We Please see our website at
www.texassouthplainshonorflight.org for more
were exhausted after coming home, but soon came information on how you can get involved.
to realize that, not only did Dad have his daughter
as his earthly guardian, but his heavenly Guardian Submitted by:
Angel accompanied him on the trip as well. Katherine McLamore and Larry A. Williams
Veterans Liaison Co-Chairs
“The trip brought the two of us closer together Texas South Plains Honor Flight Committee
and also brought special people into our lives. Dad
and I continue to have veteran volunteers, VA staff
and former Honor Flight members and guardians
keeping in contact with us. I personally am blessed
not only with sweet memories of serving as my
father’s Guardian, but with a new appreciation and
bond with a great generation of men and women
who served our wonderful country. Thank you
Texas South Plains Honor Flight!”
Treva Wilson
Honor Flight Guardian

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