News : Honor Flight: Vietnam Veteran John Whitson thanks all who made D.C. trip possible

John Whitson and son Jason at the Lincoln Memorial. Nearly 50 years after John Whitson earned the Bronze Star while trekking across the jungles of Vietnam with the 101st Airborne, took another journey in a different uniform, as a gift of thanks from people who appreciate his service to our country. Whitson was among nearly 100 area veterans, including some Benton County residents, who wore matching red shirts and white caps as they participated in last week's Honor Flight. The honorees in this day-long journey to Washington, D.C., sponsored by Eastern Iowa Honor Flights, included many Vietnam veterans, as well as a 97-year-old woman who had served as a nurse during World War II. After an early-morning departure from the Eastern Iowa Airport, the veterans arrived in D.C. and toured many of the major war memorials, including the WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iwo Jima and Air Force Memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery. They returned home around midnight, where a large crowd had gathered to welcome them with signs, flags and hugs. Whitson thanked all of those who helped make the trip possible, including his son, Jason, who accompanied him as his guardian. John Whitson took this photo of the memorial that honors the women who died serving the U.S. in Vietnam. "I'd like to thank all the people who donated and all the volunteers who made the trip possible,"� he said. "I'd also like to thank those who participated in the great reception we received at the airport on our return. It was way more than I expected."� One of the best parts of his day was spending it with Jason, Whitson said. Whitson's favorite moment of the day in D.C. was watching changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He also stood at the podium of the Amphitheater, where the Presidents have delivers speeches on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The 1966 graduate of Washington High School said he "volunteered for the draft"� and spent a year in Vietnam with the U.S. Army from 1968-69. Later in 1969, Whitson received a Bronze Star medal and citation, which was dated Nov. 20 of that year. That citation indicates that Whitson had earned the "Bronze Star for Meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces."� This 97-year-old former WWII nurse shares some of her story during the Honor Flight. Signed by Major General John M. Wright, Jr., commander of 101st Airborne Division At the time, Whitson had the rank of Specialist Four. He was barely past his teenage years. The citation does not list a particular day or battle, put praises Whitson for his daily accomplishments with the 101st: "Through his untiring efforts and professional ability, he consistently obtained outstanding results. He was quick to grasp the implications of new problems with which he was faced as a result of the everchanging requirements of both combat and pacification missions and to find ways and means to solve those problems. The energetic of his extensive knowledge has materially contributed to the efforts of the United States Mission to the Republic of Vietnam and to its people, assisting them in ridding themselves of the communist threat to their freedom. His initiative, zeal, sound judgment and devotion to duty have been in the highest tradition of the United States Army and reflect great credit on himself and the military service."� Whitson says none of the soldiers with whom he served in the 101st have their names on the Vietnam Wall. "Our platoon did not have a casualty,"� he says.