Four Sailors from Navy Medicine Education and Training Command (NMETC) volunteered to visit and assist with veterans at the San Antonio International Airport before their departure to Washington, D.C., May 20.

The veterans were flown to the District of Columbia for the weekend by Honor Flight San Antonio, a nonprofit organization that transports America's veterans to the nation's capital in order to visit the memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices.

Before they left, NMETC Sailors had the chance to talk to more than two dozen veterans who lined the airport departure area.

"I thought it was a great opportunity to meet some of our veterans, hear their stories and just give something back to them for all their sacrifice," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class PaulJames Johnson III. "I feel it went really good."

Johnson expressed awe in the incredible history represented that morning with veterans from World War II, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and in one retired Navy veteran's case, all three wars.

Retired Chief Sonarman Chris Wilson retired in 1964 after an eventful career as a boatswain's mate turned anti-submarine warfare sonar technician who experienced all three wars during his time in the Navy.

"I'm excited to go on this trip," said Wilson, experiencing the Honor Flight program for the first time. "I'm most looking forward to the World War II memorial. I hear it's beautiful. I went one time, but I didn't get to spend any time there."

The other Sailors who volunteered their time at the airport were just as impressed with the veterans -- including one woman who served as a nurse in the Battle of Normandy, and even an explosive ordnance disposal canine who was wounded during his service in the Marine Corps.

"The satisfaction of these veterans was just incredible," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Brandon Ponder. "You can tell they were really enjoying themselves and were so excited. And I really enjoyed myself being around them. It was great."

NMETC manages Navy Medicine's logistic and enlisted and officer education and training programs, including medical operational training for medical and medical support personnel deploying worldwide. NMETC is part of the Navy Medicine team, a global health care network of Navy medical professionals around the world who provide high-quality health care to eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support on the sea aboard ships, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield.

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For more news from Navy Medicine Education and Training Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/.