Utah veterans head to DC for ‘trip of a lifetime’

SALT LAKE CITY — On Tuesday, dozens of veterans left the Salt Lake Metropolis Worldwide Airport to go to Washington, D.C., for a particular journey.

The journey, sponsored by Nucor Metal, consists of World Conflict II, Korean Conflict, and Vietnam Conflict veterans.

With a complete of 75 veterans heading out, the journey has lengthy been referred to as “the journey of a lifetime.” 

The flight is supplied without charge to the veterans.

“It’s thrilling,” stated veteran Derek Warnes.

Warnes went to Fort Benning in Georgia for paratrooper coaching after which served in North Carolina at Fort Bragg.

James Richardson, who’s additionally attending the journey, served in the course of the Vietnam Conflict in Thailand. 

“Nice to see our nation’s capital,” Richardson stated.

Vill Johnson stated he’s trying ahead to visiting the nation’s monuments, significantly the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the place he has historical past himself.

“It’s very particular returning there… going to the varied monuments is phenomenal,” Johnson stated.

Johnson stated happening the flight with different veterans provides them the prospect to satisfy or reconnect with fellow brothers and sisters in arms. 

“It provides us the chance to talk to one another. In different phrases, a few of us had been stationed on the identical place,” Johnson stated. 

On Wednesday night time, the veterans and their guardians will return to a welcome residence celebration held on the Salt Lake Metropolis Worldwide Airport by the bags declare space. 

Members of the general public are invited to attend the occasion and may arrive on the airport no later than 9 p.m. Wednesday.