Tenn. Wing Cadets Honor Veterans for Service

1st Lt. Morgan Torp-Pedersen
Public Affairs Officer
Murfreesboro Composite Squadron
Tennessee Wing

Members of Civil Air Patrol's Tennessee Wing honored Korean War veterans earlier this month as they made their way to Washington, D.C., for a Screaming Eagle Honor Flight.

Members from the wing's Murfreesboro Composite Squadron were at the Nashville International Airport by 2:30 a.m. Saturday, May 13 to provide a proper send-off to the 25 veterans flying out to visit monuments and memorials at the nation's capital.

Cadet Master Sgt. Alex Hoenie was waiting outside the airport with fellow cadets during the morning shift when he saw a familiar face arrive – his grandfather, Don Hoenie.

"I had no idea that my grandfather was going to be at the airport Saturday morning. I was very surprised to look up and see him standing there. Seeing the expression on his face was worth being a part of this day and made me appreciate what he sacrificed for all of us even more," Hoenie said.

While waiting for the plane to take off, cadets were able to spend time with the veterans and hear stories of their time serving our country.

"I am so grateful for the opportunity to help with the Screaming Eagle Honor Flight. These men and women fought for the freedom we enjoy, and they deserve to be honored, respected and thanked for their service," said Cadet 2nd Lt. Aaron Edmondson.

Cadets had the opportunity of meeting a former Civil Air Patrol member, Larry Munsey, who served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After speaking with Munsey and hearing his stories, they learned he served as a public affairs officer in CAP’s Michigan Wing in the 1960s.