Approximately 210 local veterans who served during the time of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War era have participated during the past four years as honored guests for the Logan County Veterans D.C. program, where they are provided with an all expenses-paid trip to see their memorials for the first time in the nation’s capital.
Preparations are well under way for the fifth annual trip slated for Oct. 2 through 4, and the organization is currently accepting trip applications from honorably discharged service members who served during those time periods and would like the opportunity to attend this year.
Organizer Scott Stewart said April 1 is the deadline for interested veterans to apply for the three-day, two-night trip.
“The April 1 deadline is important and it will be here before we know it. We will have many details to work out from that point to ensure that each of our veteran guests is well-taken care of,” he said Thursday.
“We are urging all veterans who are interested to apply. We are so grateful for all they have done for us and the freedoms they have provided us with, and this is one small way that our community joins together to thank them.”
Applications are available at the American Legion Post 173, 120 Colton Ave., Bellefontaine; Ashley Furniture, 2400 S. Main St., Bellefontaine; and also online at the organization’s website, www.vetstodc.org. Completed applications should be mailed to Veterans to D.C., P.O. Box 516, DeGraff, Ohio, 43318.
Each of the veterans travels free of charge, and has the option to take a traveling companion, which can include their spouse, son or daughter or close friend. The traveling companion will pay the $250 fee that is also paid by the trip volunteers. The companion will stay in the same hotel room with the veteran throughout the trip.
Charter buses with the distinguished veteran guests on board will leave Bellefontaine in the early morning hours of Oct. 2 bound for the 520-mile trek to Washington, D.C. Alongside the retired service members and companions, the other travelers with the group include medical personnel and volunteers.
After staying at a Frederick, Md., hotel Friday evening, the group will depart Oct. 3 for Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Highlights of the day also will include stops at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Memorial area and the World War II Memorial, and other memorials as time permits.
The experiences of the day are shared during an evening banquet and time of reminiscing. Throughout the weekend travels, Stewart has observed the connection that develops among attendees.
“Some have seen combat and others have not, but they’ve all got this bond because of what they’ve been through and the sacrifices they’ve made. We see instant friendships develop, and I’ve been so privileged to say many of the veterans have become my fast friends as well,” he said.
To make the annual trip possible, the organization also seeks individuals to volunteer in a variety of capacities with preparations, fundraisers and other needs. Interested community members and groups can contact Stewart at 407-6766.
The organizer also encouraged area veterans who are not physically able to attend the trip this year to contact him as well, as a post-trip event also is being planned.
“We know that different life situations and medical ailments might prevent some of our veterans from attending, and we are working on a special event that would also honor these service members and give them a special glimpse of our travels.”