Area veterans enjoy 'trip of a lifetime' to see war memorials

“It was a trip of a lifetime,” said Robert W. “Bob” Barr, a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.

Barr, of Fairmont, said he obviously enjoyed seeing the Korean War Memorial, but found all of the monuments impressive.

“The Vietnam Wall was unbelievable, and the Iwo Jima Monument would catch anybody’s eye,” Barr said.

U.S. Army Air Corps veteran James L. “Jim” Hall of Weston, who flew B-17 bombers during World War II, said he, too, enjoyed the trip.

“Of course, I enjoyed the Air Force Memorial,” which is one of the newer monuments in Washington, Hall said.

“The scene that made the biggest impression was the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” he added.

U.S. Marine veteran Louis “Zeke” Trupo, who served in the Pacific during World War II, said he enjoyed all of the monuments.

Trupo, who was at Iwo Jima, said his favorite memorial is the one depicting Marines raising the flag on the island’s Mount Suribachi.

“That’s a beautiful statue,” Trupo said.

John Abruzzino of Fairmont and Thomas L. “Tom” Bell of Clarksburg said they enjoyed all of the memorials equally.

“They were all exceptionally good,” said Abruzzino, a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Philippines and Saipan during World War II.

“It was really wonderful,” added Bell, who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War.

A crowd that included the veterans’ families and supporters cheered and waved miniature U.S. flags as the old soldiers emerged from the plane.

Linda Lomicka of Fairmont was among those in the crowd.

Her husband, Joe Lomicka, served in the Coast Guard in the Korean War.

“He called me about 3 o’clock and said he was having a wonderful time,” said Linda Lomicka, who was accompanied by friends Bart and Karen Mayhorn.

Jo Fast, also of Fairmont, said she was waiting for her husband, Ralph — a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

“He called about 7 o’clock, and he said he had a real good time,” said Mrs. Fast, who was accompanied by her daughter and son-in-law, Sandy and Dave Tonkery.

Sally Morrison was waiting with them.

Her husband, Roy Morrison, served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

“I think it’s wonderful,” she said of the Honor Flight program.

Some in the crowd didn’t have family on the flight, but just wanted to show their support for the veterans.

April Hinkle of Bridgeport said she showed up in memory of her father — a World War II bomber pilot — and in honor of her son — who has served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“Just to honor the soldiers,” Hinkle said.

Sandy Springer of Buckhannon came for similar reasons.

Springer said her late father was a Korean War veteran.

“We owe veterans a lot, and this is just a small way to show our appreciation,” Springer said.

The 249th Army Band performed, and the Knights of Columbus came dressed in full regalia to salute the veterans as they exited the plane.

Hogs for Heroes — a motorcycle group that supports veterans — and Boy Scout troops also were present.