Recently, Brent Stutzman (Co-owner of Stutzman Services) participated as a volunteer in a South Willamette Valley Honor Flight. It was a very special trip for the 57 veterans from Linn, Benton, Lane and Lincoln Counties who toured Washington DC’s memorials, monuments and museums.

“What an honor to be able to serve those who have served us,” said Stutzman who was assigned as a “guardian” for Gene, a veteran of the Vietnam War. Each volunteer guardian assists one veteran during the busy weekend of sight-seeing, tours, meals and recognitions. Stutzman said it was especially impactful to see the Vietnam veterans receive gratitude and honor that many didn’t experience when returning home from the conflict 50 years ago.

This was the first Honor Flight to our nation’s capital for all the participating veterans. The trips occur about twice a year and are coordinated by volunteers in the organization which is an official hub of the national Honor Flight Network.

Follow these links to learn more about South Willamette Valley Honor Flight, make a donation, or see news stories from KVAL who documented the trip.