Steve Sampson
Jefferson City
Dear Editor:
As a continuation on my trip to Washington, D.C. on Honor Flight #56:
I forgot to mention in my last letter that upon arrival at Lambert, we were greeted by another group of citizens that welcomed us home and thanked us for our service. I really appreciated those individuals doing this, in spite of the late hour.
The Missouri Highway Patrol stopped all access to I-70 West, from Kingdom City to the point that our Honor Flight exited I-70, until after our three buses passed that exit. Then each patrolman followed us to the Marriott. We saw the Patriot Guard waiting for us at the on-ramp at Kingdom City and what a sight that was. Boy-howdy, what a thrill that was for this Navy veteran. When we exited Missouri 63 and crossed the overpass to the Marriott and looked to the north and saw all those patrol cars with their lights flashing, another boy-howdy. What a sight.
All along the route from Kingdom City, to Columbia, there were expressions of gratitude from citizens and businesses, to us veterans. Words cannot express my thankfulness to each that came out on a cold and damp night, late at night, to show their gratitude for our service.
As we arrived at the Marriott, we were greeted by an escort from the Patriot Guard and escorted into the Marriott and then each of us were announced on the public address system to a whole room full of people that again thanked us for our service and welcomed us home. My heart is so full of gratitude, that words can do no justice.
Honor Flight Director Steve Paulsell mentioned the Guardians get no pay, as a matter of fact they have to pay for the trip. In addition, Honor Flight accepts no contributions from a veteran. All of what I experienced during this fantastic day is paid for by donations from non-veterans, businesses, and other civic organizations. This includes, buses to and from Lambert, airfare round-trip to Washington, buses in Washington, meals for the day, loads of candy and water to drink. Most, if not all, the police escorts do this on their own time, meaning they are not paid. What a sacrifice they make to welcome the veteran and thank him for his service to this, the greatest nation the world has ever known.