~by Linda Hocke
Today there are five more red caps being worn in Greene County. It’s not the caps that are important; it’s who’s wearing them. Five Korean War veterans added their names to the list of veterans from Greene County who were honored with a trip to Washington, D.C. The red caps bear the insignia of the Honor Flight Network, and are a small token of our thanks to our courageous veterans for their service to our country.
The Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight took off on Saturday, May 9, with Vernon Fritz of Grand Junction, Wilbur “Curly” Eason of Scranton, Glenn Carstensen of Jefferson, Roger Hirsch of Paton, and Cecil Hoyle of Churdan on board. Also on the flight was Eason’s daughter Carol Eason. Carol served as a guardian for her father, Fritz and Carstensen. The guardian takes care of the veterans throughout the day and makes sure no one is left behind.
Honor Flight Veterans leave Fort Dodge Regional Airport and fly to Dulles Airport in Virginia. They board a motorcoach and are transported to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials. They visit the World War Two, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Lincoln Memorials. Following a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to witness the changing of the guard, the veterans are taken to the Iwo Jima Memorial. The veterans leave Dulles Airport to arrive back in Fort Dodge later that evening.
In order for local veterans to get seats on the flight, approximately $600 per veteran must be raised. Thanks to local banks, businesses, clubs, organizations, and individuals, all of the Greene County veterans who have signed up are able to make the trip.
Carol Eason greatly enjoyed the trip and serving as a guardian. “The Veterans continually said ‘awesome’ throughout the day. They were moved by being with other soldiers who served,” she said. “Throughout the day, many people who were also visiting the monuments came up, shook their hands and said, ‘thank you for your service.’
“Many were hugged and yet, the veterans were humbled and said, it was what we were called to do,” she added.
“I was privileged to be a guardian for my dad, Vernon and Glenn and will forever remember the experience as one of the best of my lifetime. These men shared stories of before and after the war and reconnected with what the war in Korea (all Greene County veterans served at that time) meant to them, even though they did not all serve in Korea,” continued Eason. “I was unaware of all the areas the Korean veterans served and it was so interesting to hear their stories first hand.
“Brushy Creek Honor Flight was honored to have 12 World War Two veterans,” Eason said. “One special moment came on the plane on the way home – mail call. The veterans loved ones were able to write letters and thank these men for their service yet again. Spouses, sons and daughters, grandchildren all wrote letters and while they might not ever know the impact the letters had on these veterans, I saw them tear up and remember what it was like to be so far away and yet continued to serve their country, knowing their loved ones were so far away.
“Glenn continually referred to me as his guardian ‘angel’, not just guardian. I would say, I was in the presence of amazing men, who were unknowingly my guardian so many years before I was born,” concluded Eason. “It was a privilege to accompany these veterans and I hope many more get to experience this truly epic day.”
This is an awesome and phenomenal experience (in the words of the veterans). To learn more about the Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight or to contribute for future Greene County flights, contact Ron Newsum at 515-571-4477. Currently the Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight serves World War Two and Korean War veterans.
Five Greene County veterans enjoyed a valuable experience in May on an Honor Flight. They are (from left) Glenn Carstensen of Jefferson, Vernon Fritz of Grand Junction, Cecil Hoyle of Churdan and Roger Hirsch of Paton. Wilbur “Curly” Eason is seated. ~The Scranton Journal
