‘Very proud woman today’: Tulare veteran on honor flight reflects on service

WASHINGTON ( KSEE/KGPE ) – On day two of the Central Valley honor flight, veterans and their guardians visited even more monuments and memorials.

“I went through some rough times when I was over in Vietnam, but I don’t think anything that I did could compare to what they went through,” Marine Corps Veteran Tom Mitchell, who’s from Sanger, said reflecting on the men shown at Arlington, Virginia.

The statue depicts one of the most famous battles in World War II, Iwo Jima. However, the memorial honors all marines, including the eight marines traveling on the 29th Central Valley Honor Flight.

Mitchell admits he was at first reluctant to go on the trip, but now he thinks the heroes’ welcome when they come back home may be healing.

“Hopefully it’ll make me realize that ‘Gee I wasn’t such a bad guy’ for where I was or what happened over there. I mean, it’s still in my head what happened,” he said.

The group also stopped at the Navy Memorial on Pennsylvania Avenue and the Air Force Memorial that overlooks the Pentagon.

Veterans and their guardians even went to the United States Capitol building, where they got the special privilege of going onto the House floor and speaking with three local congresspeople.

But one of the most special moments for day two of the trip came at the World War II Memorial when the five women veterans on the honor flight noticed words etched onto it, honoring and recognizing the women who served.

“I’m a very proud woman today,” Air Force Veteran Sandy Byrd from Tulare said.

She says the trip has helped her connect with other women who served.

“Anytime we see things that say ‘women’ were just ready to jump in front of it and be recognized,” Byrd said.

The group will visit Arlington National Cemetery and the Vietnam War Memorial on Wednesday before flying home.

Those who would like to welcome them home are invited to greet the veterans at the Fresno Yosemite Airport on Wednesday after 6 p.m. when they land.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | CBS47 and KSEE24.