Members of Maxwell and Gunter stand in formation in tribute to World War II veterans as their plane passes through a water arch of triumph May 2 at Montgomery’s Dannelly Field. On an “honor flight,” the veterans are returning from a one-day trip to Washington, D.C., where they saw the WWII memorial. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jamie Pitcher)

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Lt. Gen. Allen G. Peck, Air University commander, greets World War II veteran Helen Lattal as she returns from an “Honor Flight” to Washington, D.C., May 2. With General Peck is his son Adam, Maj. Gen. Maurice H. Forsyth, Spaatz Center commander, and Prattville Mayor Jim Byard Jr. (U.S. Air Force photo/Melanie Rodgers Cox)

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Airmen show 'Honor Flight" vets huge welcome

Published May 8, 2009
By Carl Poteat
Air University Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- More than 340 military personnel from the Maxwell-Gunter area provided a "huge" welcome May 2 at Montgomery's Dannelly Field for "Honor Flight" veterans of World War II, according to Capt. Eric Tatum, project officer for the military welcome.

It was the third honor flight for Montgomery and surrounding area veterans of WWII in the past two years. At no cost to the veterans, they are flown on a one-day trip to Washington, D.C. to see the WWII memorial. Approximately 93 veterans along with their volunteer "guardians" made this trip.

"The event was a tremendous success," said Captain Tatum. He said he was excited about being selected to be "at the forefront of a special celebration that touches the hearts of both old and young."

Captain Tatum said members of the Officer Training School, Gunter Noncommissioned Officer Academy, and the Alabama Army National Guard participated with other members from Maxwell and Gunter to form military formations both on the flight line and inside the airport as a tribute to the veterans.

He added countless military and local community dignitaries joined military retirees and civilians in rounding out the large welcoming crowd.

Captain Tatum said he, Capt. Marvin Kerr, Capt. Lorraine Grosso, Senior Master Sgt. Terrence Henderson, and Lisa Warr spent more than two months to prepare for the welcome ceremony.

"When the plane landed, the terminal echoed loudly with the cheers of a grateful crowd, both young and old, welcoming these true heroes back home. As our honored veterans walked down the path of honor shaking the hands of military and civic leaders, the smiles on their faces said it all. Immediately, I knew that all our hard work was worth it," he said.