The arrivals hall at Columbia Metropolitan Airport became a place of welcome on September 12. Families, volunteers, neighbors and Soldiers from the 81st Readiness Division gathered as Korean War and Vietnam War veterans returned from the Central Savannah River Area’s first Honor Flight.
The journey began before sunrise. At about 5 a.m., Soldiers and volunteers helped stage wheelchairs and supported check-in for the veterans. The flight left Columbia around 7:30 a.m. for Washington, D.C., where the group visited memorials dedicated to their service and that of fellow service members.
A welcome shaped by a whole community
When the veterans returned to Columbia at about 8 p.m., the airport was ready to greet them. Soldiers stood at attention and saluted as families, Honor Flight volunteers and community members welcomed the travelers home. Some veterans returned the salute, creating a memorable exchange between those who had served and the neighbors who came to honor them.
For 1st Sgt. Travis Blackwelder of the 81st Readiness Division, seeing Soldiers render honors to the returning veterans was one of the trip’s highlights, according to the division’s report. The report said the homecoming reminded Vietnam veteran Senior Master Sgt. Joseph A. Rampino that his service was remembered; Rampino described the moment as overwhelming.
A day built around recognition
The Honor Flight program brings veterans to Washington to visit memorials connected to their service. The Central Savannah River Area chapter’s first flight gave Korean War and Vietnam War veterans a day of travel, reflection and recognition, with volunteers helping at both ends of the trip.
The 81st Readiness Division reported that the chapter had a second Honor Flight scheduled for May 2027. The Sept. 12 homecoming showed the community care threaded through the first trip: practical help before departure, a journey to the nation’s capital, and a gathering at the airport to say welcome home.
Read the 81st Readiness Division’s account of the Honor Flight homecoming for the full event details. The story was reported by Master Sgt. Jessica Littlejohn.
Images: Editorial illustrations created for Smile.news.
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