Team Wright-Patt gives veterans patriotic sendoff

  • Published
  • By Stacy Vaughn
  • 445th Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  A reservist assigned to the 445th Maintenance Operations Flight took the initiative to round up a group of volunteers from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, composed of active duty, reservists and civilians to give a special send off to 35 veterans traveling from Piqua, Ohio, to Washington, D.C., Oct. 2.

Staff Sgt. Mike Neri got the idea to have a special send off after meeting a World War II veteran while at an appointment. "He introduced himself as Harry Congdon and he told me about a group that he's involved with that was started by a gentleman in Piqua, Glenn Devers, who wanted to honor his four brothers who all made it home from World War II. As a tribute, every year they take veterans of the war on an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Sergeant Neri said on the yearly adventure, the veterans are given notes written by elementary school children and family members and they do a "mail call" just as they used to do bring World War II. "I asked Harry if he would like me to find some Airmen that would be interested in writing letters to these veterans, thanking them for their service. He was thrilled and gave me his contact information," Sergeant Neri said.

"This is the fifth trip we have done. We are very thankful for all that the base did to honor these wonderful men and women of our country's greatest generation. It is a blessing to be able to do this and having the base involved this time made everything much more meaningful," Mr. Congdon said.

This year, the send off was held at the American Legion Post in Piqua. Although the weather was not cooperative, it did not put a damper on the event. Besides base personnel, well wishers from various organizations, to include fire fighters, police officers, city employees and media were on hand to say hello and shake the hands of the veterans. Sergeant Neri said base personnel gave 105 letters and cards to the veterans plus goodie bags. A second-grade class from the West Carrolton School District also wrote letters to the group and gathered books donated by the Air Force Historian's office and given to the veterans to read while on the road.

Another touching tribute arranged by Sergeant Neri was an escort by the Ohio Patriot Guard Rider to lead the group's bus as it pulled out of the parking lot and down the highway. "Many thanks go out to the Patriot Guard Riders for braving the elements.  It was a moving display of their dedication to paying tribute to our country's heroes," Sergeant Neri said.

"The most important thing we did was put a lot of smiles on people's faces. We let them know that Team Wright-Patt cares about our veterans. It was an honor to be there, and I personally want to thank each and every one that helped put this together and for giving me the opportunity to do so; without you this would not have been possible," Sergeant Neri said.