Aberdeen Veteran Calls Honor Flight The Welcome Home He Never Received After Vietnam

Bob Roe was drafted in the Army in 1967.

He served as a staff sergeant with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade in the Vietnam War.

Bob Roe, an Aberdeen veteran, finally felt like he got the welcome home he never received after serving in the Vietnam War, thanks to the Honor Flight.

Roe was drafted into the Army in 1967 as a staff sergeant with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade during the Vietnam War. Roe's plane landed in Baltimore after his tour of duty, and with just a quick hug from his sister, he was sent home.

Roe's Honor Flight took him to Washington, D.C., where he visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Roe found the name of every one of his six fellow soldiers who died during the war. He also visited the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the World War II Memorial. Roe said the experience was overwhelming, and he was grateful for the opportunity to finally be recognized for his service.

"It was very emotional for me," Roe said. "It was like closure."

Roe said he was particularly touched by the welcome he received from strangers. "People were thanking us for our service," he said. "It was really nice. It made me feel like I was finally home."

"The Honor Flight was a great opportunity, and I'm very grateful for the experience," Roe said. "It was something I'll never forget."

Roe is now a member of the Aberdeen VFW. He enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He also volunteers at the Aberdeen VA Medical Center, where he helps other veterans.

Honor Flights are a non-profit organization that provides free flights to Washington, D.C., for veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The flights give veterans an opportunity to visit the memorials built in their honor and to be recognized for their service.

Since its inception in 2005, Honor Flight has flown more than 250,000 veterans to Washington, D.C. The organization is currently flying veterans from all 50 states, and it hopes to eventually fly all veterans who want to go.