North Central West Virginia welcomes home 2024 Honor Flight veterans

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WBOY) — The 2024 Clarksburg Honor Flight took place Saturday, flying local veterans to Washington D.C. to see the monuments for the wars they fought in, and a welcome home party greeted the returning veterans at North Central West Virginia Airport.

Friends and family greeted their veterans in a joyful scene late Saturday night, along with the local community, Boy Scout troops, youth sports teams, and the American Legion. The Liberty High School Marching Band performed on the tarmac as well.

12 News spoke to the attendees about their pride in our nation’s veterans. Billie Mitchell and Linda Miller were waiting to greet their husbands, David Mitchell and Robert Miller, who were on the Honor Flight. Billie Mitchell told 12 News about how David and Robert went to high school together, wound up going to boot camp together, and then served together in Vietnam. Linda Miller said that David and Robert were and are still best friends.

Because the Vietnam War was so divisive, many veterans were not treated well upon returning home. Billie Mitchell said that the reception for the Honor Flight is to make sure “they are going to be treated better this time coming home than the last time.”

Several children also came to greet the veterans. Members of the Bridgeport youth football team were brought by their coach who served in the Marine Corps. One player, Tyler Ekel, shared his gratitude towards those who served.

“I’m here to show my support for the veterans,” Ekel said. “Thank you, veterans, who gave us freedom.”

Boy Scout Aubrey Cunningham said, “We need to remember them because they fought for our country so we could have the freedom that we have today.”

12 News also got the perspective of an Honor Flight alumnus. Tom Leonette is a Vietnam War veteran who went on honor flight several years ago.

“It was one of the best things ever happened,” Leonette said. “It’s like the Vietnam Veterans never had anything coming back home but this flight right here made it.”

Coverage of the 2024 Honor Flight will continue with stories throughout the week.

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