Phil Klaerner-Honor Flt

Honor Flight Tour of Washington D.C. and Memorial Sites - September 30, 2016

Phil Klaerner was one of the first Vietnam Veterans to join those from World War II and the Korean War on this Honor Flight. These are photographs taken by the tour group. Notice the various Memorials. How many of you have seen them? Was your dad or mom a World War II veteran? What about a veteran of the Korean War? How many of our classmates or their relatives served in Vietnam War? Many of our classmates served in all branches of the military as reservists. Were you one of them?

Phil voiced that, even with the damp weather, this tour was one of the most awesome experiences he has been a part of. Over 50 classmates sent him letters, cards, notes of well-wishes. On their flight home to Texas, the veterans were given their "mail call" correspondence."

Here is the letter he asked me to share with you upon his return: "I would like to thank all the classmates who sent me letters, cards, emails. It really made me cry. I did three tours in Vietnam - one year in the U.S. Air Force as a K-9 Handler*, two six-month tours in the Navy off the coast of North Vietnam. Thank you for your thoughtfulness! I want to share my experiences with you through the photographs the Honor Flight organizers took of us on that memorial trip. Phil Klaerner."

* I will also post the three photographs - of Phil during his years of service - two include his K-9 friends, both named "Bo."

Pam Ludeman Price

PS: To pause on a photo longer than the defaulted time limit, hit the pause button (top left hand side between the "back" and "forward" buttons); you can continue after you are finished with a photo and want to go on.