Andrews – The annual Welcome Home event for veterans was held April 18 at Western Carolina Regional Airport, with speakers including Staff Sgt. Wayne Dupree, a decorated Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians service member who served in three branches of the military including the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard Reserve and Army National Guard, respectively.
Dupree gave the meaning behind the 13 folds of the American flag following the presentation of the colors by American Legion Post 96 members Richard LeCount and Arthur West, who demonstrated the folding ceremony for flags typically handed out to family at military funerals. Isabella Mintz performed the national anthem.
Other speakers during the event included retired N.Y. Fire Lt. Joe Torrillo, a 9/11 survivor, and 1st Lt. David Waldrop. Brother-and-sister duo Emma and Mason Campbell performed on bagpipes and drums.
Once again, the “Operation Stand Down” area offered a place for local services to veterans of all branches to have their booths ready with advice and access to programs that cater specifically to veterans’ unique needs. The post-traumatic stress disorder bus was on hand to help veterans navigate the return to civilian life.
Thom Richard of Warbird Adventures, based on South Carolina was also on hand with his Warhawk plane with its distinctive grin which he says always draws crowds at every show he attends.
Classic cars and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle were in attendance to show off vintage cruisers and modern engines taking up the back portion of the airport rows.
The Sevier County Choppers, out of east Tennessee, was also on site offering helicopter rides over the Andrews valley.
Veterans enjoyed a variety of food trucks for a free lunch once again provided by sponsors of this year’s event.
Details: Visit cherokeecounty-nc.gov/246/Veterans-Services.