Family and community members gathered Friday at the Logan County Fairgrounds and in downtown Bellefontaine to offer a grand send-off for the Logan County Vets to DC and their well-wishes to the 46 distinguished veteran guests, two of whom served in the Korean War and the remaining who served during the Vietnam War era. Don Hardman, left, offers a hearty handshake to fellow Vietnam War veteran Jack Ferryman of Urbana as Ferryman prepares to load the bus bound for the nation’s capital on the organization’s sixth trip. Hardman said he attended the trip in 2019 and now enjoys being able to support others in this memorable opportunity. The two charter buses with the veterans, traveling companions and volunteers are expected to arrive back at the fairgrounds about 5:30 p.m. Sunday, for individuals who would like to welcome them back home. (EXAMINER PHOTO | MANDY LOEHR)
Musical salute
EXAMINER PHOTO | MANDY LOEHR
A military truck prepares to leave the Logan County Fairgrounds Friday as the Bellefontaine High School marching band offers a salute to the travelers in the Logan County Vets to DC contingent. (EXAMINER PHOTO | MANDY LOEHR)
Bellefontaine High School marching band perform for the Logan County Vets to DC Friday morning at the Logan County Fairgrounds. (EXAMINER PHOTO | MANDY LOEHR)Russ Strayer, donning a World War I military uniform, stands at attention with the U.S. Flag on a chilly Friday morning in the back of a jeep to honor the Vets to D.C. group as it departs Logan County via a parade route on Main Street in the city. Strayer, who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam-era, is an active member of the Harold Kerr Post 173 American Legion and its honor and color guard units. The 1947 Willys Jeep, adorned with the names “Hot Lips” and “Klinger” in reference to the popular TV series M*A*S*H*, is owned by Larry Crapnell of Bellefontaine. (EXAMINER PHOTO | T.J. HUBBARD)Sue Oliver of West Liberty waves a flag Friday morning as the Logan County Vets to DC prepare for departure from the Logan County Fairgrounds, led by a motorcycle fleet and law enforcement along Main Street north to U.S. Route 33. Mrs. Oliver said she and her husband, U.S. Army Vietnam veteran Lloyd Oliver, attended a Vets to DC trip about three to four years ago. (EXAMINER PHOTO | MANDY LOEHR)Riverside High School students pause for the playing of the National Anthem Friday morning at the Vets to DC send-off at the Logan County Fairgrounds. The students helped to set up flags at the fairgrounds and with other volunteer tasks. The school district has participated in the Vets to DC activities for each of the six trips. (EXAMINER PHOTO | MANDY LOEHR)A Bellefontaine Fire Department ladder truck and an Indian Joint Fire District ladder truck hoist a flag along Main Street in downtown Bellefontaine in preparation for the Logan County Vets to DC departure. (EXAMINER PHOTO | T.J. HUBBARD)
