2009 Year in Review

Four Morrison Veterans Take Honor Flight to Wahington D.C.

Bob Yarbrough, Jim Ardapple, Burton Shambaugh and Wesley Leech at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Bob, Jim, Wesley at Iwa Jima Memorial

Bob and Mark Yarbrough at the Tomb

Burton Shambaugh

Wesley Leech

Jim Ardapple

Group at World War II Memorial

Group at Iwa Jima Memorial

Carol Richey's father, Ray Borkgren, Geneseo

Homecoming at Quad City Airport

by Mary Ellen Brackemyer - The Morrison Post

Wednesday, April 15th will be a day long remembered for 97 veterans and the 60 guardians that made the ‘Honor Flight’ out of Davenport to Washington, D.C. to see their memorial. The mission of the Honor Flight Network is to fly American’s veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to honor their sacrifices. Top priority is given to America’s most senior veterans – Survivors of World War II and any veteran with a terminal illness who wish to visit THEIR memorial.

The four men chosen from Morrison were Bob Yarbrough, Jim Ardapple, Burton Shambaugh and Wesley Leech.

The intention of the program is to honor as many of these selfless “ordinary people who saved the world” by providing them a FREE trip to visit their memorial. The program operates on donations from organizations and individuals. The program also provides trained “guardians” who personally escort the veterans on the aircraft and accompany them to the memorials throughout the day. Guardians pay their own way. Medical attendants are NOT provided.

To assist disabled veterans, Honor Flight provides oxygen, wheelchairs and scooters as needed. The flights, deluxe tour bus service, tee shirts, scooters, wheelchairs, oxygen, meals, and other amenities are provided FREE to our WWII Veterans.

Bob Yarbrough - Navy (Submarines) - 1942-45 had this to say about the trip: “This was a very emotional trip, on the bus and on the plane it was different, we were all one. So many hand shakes, hugs, and well wishes from beginning to end. A couple of the fellows had never flown before, there was just lots of excitement. I never got that wet in a submarine!"

Burton Shambaugh - Navy (Seabees) - 1942-45 - "I've been looking forward to this trip since last fall. It was a wonderful trip and would love to do it again but realize that there are many others waiting to go as well. Enjoyed it all very much."

Jim Ardapple - Army - 1942-45 - "When we got to the Lincoln Memorial we wondered how many steps there were and if we really wanted to climb them. I thought, for me it's now or never so up I went. It was just like the Army, it was raining so they issued us umbrellas. You can't keep the old vets down."

Wesley Leech - Marines - 1942-45 - "I had never been to that part of the country before and it was more impressive than I imagined. Although it rained much of the time I had a great time. The WW II Memorial was great but my favorite was the Flag Raising at Iwo Jima statue."

Ray Borkgren, Geneseo - "Fantastic, words can't describe how grand it was!"

A big crowd filled the Quad Cities Airport to welcome home these 97 veterans and the 60 guardians on this Honor Flight. The Patriot Guard provided a flag-lined walk way. Family members, other veterans, many friends, and others who just wanted to say ‘thank you’ waited patiently for the planes arrival.

To find out how you can help or to make a donation contact: Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, c/o Bob Morrison, CSA, Ridgecrest Village, 4130 Northwest Blvd., Davenport, IA 52806. Email: bmorrison@ridgecrestvillage.org or visit the website: Honor Flight of the Quad Cities.

Applications for veterans, guardians, and volunteers are available at Shawver Press, 120 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL 61270. Thank You to the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department that met the Veterans at I88 & Rt. 78 and escorted them back to Morrison.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
May 1, 2009