Remembering Their Service: West Texas Veterans Visit Nation’s Memorials

SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — More than 100 West Texas veterans recently embarked on an all-expense-paid, three-day trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor — a journey of reflection, remembrance, and healing made possible by the nonprofit Permian Basin Honor Flight.

Thanks to the support of sponsors, volunteers, and strong veteran interest, the organization was able to conduct two flights this year, allowing even more local veterans to visit the memorials built for them.

The organization, based in West Texas, provides fully funded trips for veterans to visit national memorials such as the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. During these trips, veterans visited 14 memorials and museums at no cost to them. Each trip is entirely run by volunteers, including a medical team, a protection team, and even a bagpipe player who leads veterans to every memorial and museum.

Wesley Smith, who became flight director in 2023, said the group’s mission is simple: to give these heroes the recognition and gratitude they deserve. Each veteran’s trip, including flight, lodging, meals, and ground transportation, costs about $2,000, none of which is charged to veterans. The cost is entirely covered through community fundraising and sponsorships.

The emotional impact of the journey was evident throughout the trip. Hal McCullough, a Korean War veteran from Abilene, recalled, “I just could not believe people were there that early in the morning to see us off, and I was really dumbfounded when we walked through the airport and people stood — you know, these people waiting to get on flights stood up for us. That was just amazing.”

Michelle Bainum traveled with her mother, Vietnam War veteran Wendy Gatzke, and her father as a guardian on the trip. Bainum reflected on the experience, saying, “It’s really cool to see they’re being acknowledged because I’m walking alongside so many women from the Korean War to the Vietnam War. It’s amazing that they are being acknowledged because they are the ones who set the standard for us.”

Vietnam War veteran Frank Cleveland of Abilene described the experience as unforgettable. “People cannot understand without being there how amazing it is and how fulfilling it is. There’s some sad times, but there are satisfying times, and there are so wonderful times on this trip. If you’re a veteran, you’ve got to take this trip….and the love that’s shown by the public, by the kids, by the adults — welcome us home, especially for Vietnam. We never got that when we got back. People cared. It was just… incredible… it was great,” he said with teary eyes.

The Permian Basin Honor Flight continues its mission year-round to ensure future generations of veterans receive the honor and healing they’ve earned.

To support or donate, visit Permian Basin Honor Flight