BOISE, Idaho — Friday afternoon, a small group of veterans returned home after spending several days in Washington, D.C. Lone Eagle Honor Flight took them, and dozens of other veterans and people selected as their "guardians" to visit memorials and monuments honoring their service and sacrifice.
Vietnam veteran Mel Walker, one of the three Idaho vets, said it was an unforgettable experience. In addition to running his hand along his best friend's name on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, he forged a bond with fellow comrades on the trip.
"We never met each other," he said, "but it was like we'd served together forever."
Most of the veterans on the trip served in Vietnam, Nathan Meeks said. He was Walker's guardian, making sure he had everything he needed.
Meeks said it was special hearing some of the veterans, including Walker, open up.
"I was proud to be there," he said. "It was an honor to serve."
Veterans who want to go on Honor Flights must apply. Although there is a waitlist, the Lone Eagle Honor Flights "ensures" everyone can go at some point regardless of where they live in the U.S.
The hub gives priority to those who served during WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War and the time periods between these conflicts. The hub also serves critically ill veterans of all service eras who have less than one year to live, according to the website.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.