GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – When they were there serving…..it was all they could do to stay alive.
But a group of 50 Vietnam veterans from NE Wisconsin met this weekend as plans are coming together to take them back to a place they couldn’t wait to get away from.
Ellsen Schudemann is an air force veteran….and served in Vietnam in 1972. And thrilled to be chosen to be part of the trip.
“I was shaking, I was just excited. I’m still excited and I get a little emotional too.”
And Schudemann thinks he knows why…
“I was not in any of the battles. But I had some friends who didn’t come back…. so I feel like I’m doing it for them.”
The Old Glory Honor Flight typically takes veterans back to Washington DC for the day. This two-week trip is an ambitious step for them.
Diane MacDonald says the excitement for the veterans is there…. and building.
“They’re excited, they’re emotional, they’re happy, they’re sad. You name it I think we’ve seen it today including a lot of tears.”
George Dexter is an Army veteran, serving from 1970-71. He saw lots of action and says the challenge was to make it through each day.
“The key word was survival. And that’s pretty much what it was. The Bible tells us every breath is a gift and trust me….it’s true.”
Another Army veteran, Jim Vandenheuvel, was there in the late 60’s. Like a lot of these guys….he’s not sure what to expect.
“I believe there’s a reason I’m going back….I just haven’t figured out exactly what it is.”
Return To Nam….Saigon to Hanoi….is set for liftoff February 24, 2019.
For more information on the ‘Return To Nam’ program and Old Glory Honor Flight click here.
