Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
WAUSAU, Wis. — The Never Forgotten Honor Flight will fly 14 World War II veterans, 67 Korean War veterans and two Vietnam veterans from central and northern Wisconsin to Washington D.C. on Monday to view memorials honoring their service.
Mercer residents Theodore Rogachuk and Ralph Tremmel will be on the flight alongside other veterans.
Rogachuk served in the Army for Korean War and is honored to go.
“I’m overwhelmed to be part of it and be recognized that we served this country and that we protected,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Tremmel said he also served in the Army during the Korean War and is glad to go to Washington D.C., even though he said he doesn’t like the East Coast.
“I want to see the WWII memorial and the Korean War memorial,” he said.
According to a release, 66 guardians will accompany the veterans on the one-day round trip. The public is invited to the Central Wisconsin Airport to “welcome home” the veterans Monday night at 10.
After Monday’s trip, the NFHF will have taken 1,828 veterans to Washington D.C. during the past five years.
Since the first flight on April 2010, it will be the 21st flight made possible by a $70,000 grant from the B.A. and Esther Greenheck Foundation of Wausau.
“Our veterans are so deserving and it’s an honor to for us to help fund this special day for them,” said Brian Gumness, foundation executive director. “I’m sure Bernie and Esther Greenheck would be pleased with our decision to honor these veterans and volunteers in central Wisconsin.”
The next trip is scheduled for Oct. 12. Veterans from WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam interested in taking a future flight will find an application at neverforgottenhonorflight.org or by calling 715-573-8519.
Veterans receive a free round-trip flight and guardians pay $500 for the opportunity to accompany veterans on the trip.
Guardians should be 18-69 years old and be able to lend physical assistance to the veterans.