Hearty laughter and deep appreciation were part of a special send-off Friday morning at the Logan County Fairgrounds, where anticipation filled the air as 48 local veterans and their traveling companions boarded charter buses bound for the nation’s capital.
Hugs were exchanged between family members and also among volunteers as the Logan County Vets to D.C. began its fifth annual trek, which had been on hold the last two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While awaiting their turn to board one of the two charter buses, World War II veteran Allie Schrader of Belle Center, and his girlfriend, Nancy Kipker of Bellefontaine, dressed in patriotic attire, said they were quite eager to begin their travels.
“We are really looking forward to it,” said 95-year-old Mr. Schrader, who enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 in 1944.
The Logan County Vets to D.C. non-profit organization provides veterans with an all-expenses paid trip to D.C. to see their memorials for the first time. Since the first trip in 2016, approximately 210 local veterans who served during the time of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War era have participated as honored guests for the program
This year, Mr. Schrader will be one of four veterans to lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery. Also during the group’s travels today in D.C., they will visit the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War memorials.
Belle Center resident Mr. Schrader said he served the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific aboard the USS Lexington, CV16, aircraft carrier during World War II. His job was to hook release — “the guy who ran out and unhooked the airplanes.”
“If he didn’t get them unhooked, then the planes would go right into the ocean,” Ms. Kipker said, explaining the high stakes of his job.
Mr. Schrader concluded his service in 1946, continuing about six months after the war ended, a military requirement at that time. Once he returned home, he was able to officially graduate from Belle Center High School.
Also among the ranks of those traveling to D.C. this weekend are several Korean War veterans and a number of Vietnam War veterans.
Curt Fry, a longtime volunteer with the organization, is a Vietnam War veteran who said he was excited to assist with the trip this year and to be traveling with the group.
He is a 10 year veteran of the U.S. Marines, who also served in the Army National Guard for 19 years, retiring in 2002.
Past trip attendees Bob and Connie Rhoades of Belle Center stopped at the fairgrounds as a show of support as veterans loaded the buses. Mr. Rhoades is a Vietnam War era veteran as well.
“We can’t express how important this is and how much this trip means to us,” Mrs. Rhoades said. “Whenever we see a veteran out and about, maybe wearing hat detailing their service, we approach them to tell them about the trip and encourage them to attend.”
Fellow volunteer Deanna Bowers said this year, her family was able to convince her father, Vietnam era veteran Russell Sprang to attend, alongside her mother, Ann.
Prior to boarding the buses, elected officials and organizer Scott Stewart spoke to the attendees to wish them a safe and memorable trip.
“The organizers of this weekend have planned a great experience to recognize and celebrate your service. This weekend is all about you,” Logan County Commissioner Paul Benedetti said.
“Some of you may have waited nearly 50 years to get the recognition and thanks you and your family deserve. We hope this weekend will bring healing to many of you that lost comrades or are still dealing with the challenges of your service.”
Benedetti noted that less than 7 percent of living Americans have served in the military.
“You have really set yourself apart from the general population…on behalf of your grateful county, your state and your nation, we want to thank all of our service veterans and active military, men and women for stepping forward to fill the needs of your country. Whether in peacetime or times of war, ‘You Stepped Forward,’ you raised your hand, you answered the call.”
Bellefontaine Mayor Ben Stahler also extended his appreciation to all of the veteran men and women and their traveling companions, and wished them a blessed trip.
It’s a true community effort and a bevy of volunteers that provides for the funding and the organization to make the D.C. travels happen, Stewart and the fellow speakers noted.
Vets to D.C. volunteers range in age from youths to adults. Among the student helpers Friday included Riverside High School pupils who helped to set up flags at the fairgrounds beginning at 5:30 a.m., and Bellefontaine High School pupils who helped to load luggage for the honored veteran guests.
“The community has been behind us from day one, and it has been incredible to see all of that support continue to this day,” Stewart said.
Sunday afternoon, the Logan County Vets to D.C. entourage returns to Bellefontaine and the Logan County Fairgrounds around 5:30 p.m. Area residents are invited to line Main Street again to welcome them back home.
For additional details on the trek to D.C. and the non-profit organization, visit www.vetstodc.org or the group’s Facebook page.