Sponsored by: Murphy Inn
Veteran Gerald “Jerry” Winn, 95, of Port Huron, took on a special mission on April 20, flying aboard the legendary Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. The Honor Flight Network takes World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War veterans, or any terminally ill veteran to Washington, D.C. to visit military and national memorials. Jerry’s son, Larry, completed an application through Talon’s Out, the Michigan division of the national network. There is a wait list, however, special attention is given to WWII vets, due to age. Each veteran is assigned a guardian to serve as a “buddy” through the whirlwind day of events. Larry was Jerry’s guardian. Together, they saw the changing of the guard, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Pentagon Memorial, and many more. Jerry, at the age of 18, enlisted in the Navy. He served on the USS Apollo in Guam and Japan, and later stationed in Washington, D.C. where he served as a military police officer. Larry is happy his dad was able to participate in the Honor Flight while he is still in good health. Several months ago, Jerry was diagnosed with early dementia and participates in the Adult Day Program at the Visiting Nurse Association in Port Huron. The Adult Day Program provides care to individuals with dementia/Alzheimer’s and memory impairments. To learn more about the Adult Day Program for veterans, visit the VNA web site.
