Group shot - Seventeen Chickasaw veterans are celebrating activities surrounding Veteran's Day in Washington DC on a trip sponsored by the Chickasaw Nation. Pictured left to right in the National Museum of the American Indian are Bill Moore, Cushing, Okla.; Charles Blankenship, Stonewall, Okla.; Jackie Grace, Ringling, Okla.; Hubert Lampkin, Ardmore, Okla.; James Amerson, Tecumseh, Okla.; Calvin Johnson, Ardmore, Okla.; Eugene Thompson, Austin, Texas; James Hodges, Oklahoma City, Okla.; John Cole, Norman, Okla.; Paul Reed, Denton, Texas; Arlie Willis, Lubbock, Texas; John Vale, Albuquerque, N.M.; Jerry Byers, Florence, Ariz.; Eugene Arpelar, McAlester, Okla.; Gerald Hurley, Tulsa, Okla.; Larry McGranahan, Kingston, Okla. and James Johnson, Ardmore, Okla
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As a pilot with the Strategic Air Command, Jerry Byers had the nerves of steel required to carry nuclear weapons over the Soviet Union on a regular basis. Nevertheless, this U.S. Army Air force veteran of more than 27 years was almost overcome with emotion during his current trip to Washington, D.C.
Retired US Army Air Force Major Jerry Byers could hardly restrain the tears Wednesday morning as he spoke of being selected to lay a wreath on the tomb of the unknowns.
"No greater honor, in my estimation can a man have than to serve in a capacity such as laying this wreath on these fallen comrades who are unknown but to God only," said Major Byers. "I am so humbled by it that words cannot express it."
Major Byers was one of four Chickasaw elder veterans selected to lay the wreath during the Nov. 8-13 trip to Washington, D.C.
James Johnson, Bill Moore and Eugene Thompson, who also took part in the ceremony, agreed that it was an incredibly moving experience.
Thompson, a retired Army Colonel now living in Austin, Texas, said, "This really is the greatest honor and compliment that has been paid to me since I left the service."
Johnson, an 82-year-old retired Air Force Tech Sergeant from Ardmore, Okla., said, "It means so much to me, It's a lifetime memory."
Moore, a retired Marine Captain living in Cushing, Okla., said "It is truly an honor to place a wreath on the tomb of the unknowns on behalf of the Chickasaw Indian Nation."
The men are among 17 Chickasaw elder veterans on a trip to Washington, D.C. sponsored by the Chickasaw Nation.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said the trip is one way the tribe can express appreciation to those who served.
"These men and women epitomize the qualities which make our nation great," said Gov. Anoatubby. "We enjoy the benefits of freedom because individuals such as these live lives marked by dedication to duty, self-sacrifice and quiet commitment. While there is no way to repay them, we should always show them the respect and appreciation they so richly deserve."
Members of the group included veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
Retired Air Force Tech Sergeant John Vale from Albuquerque, New Mexico, said, "People came up and said thank you for serving in the service and that was really meaningful."
Eugene Arpelar, 78-year-old retired US Navy veteran from McAlester, Okla., said, "This trip means a whole lot to me. And I know it means a whole lot to these other veterans, too."
"We shouldn't forget the veterans. They gave their lives for this country and they fought for this country. And it's our beloved America."
The group arrived in DC on Tuesday, Nov. 8. On Veteran's Day, the group visited the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean, Vietnam and World War II Memorials as well as the National Museum of the American Indian.
They are scheduled to tour the White House Friday, before returning Home Saturday.
