Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI

April 14, 2010, Page 2

Transcribed by Dolores Mohr Kenyon

 Area WWII veterans to take Honor Flight

By Peter Spicer

Two area World War II veterans plan to make the trip to Washington, DC, Tuesday, April 27, to view the World War II memorial and several other memorials.

Robert Luchterhand, 88, of Granton and Bernard Walker, 83, of Neillsville both plan to participate in the Never Forgotten Honor Flight.

A total of 1,000 state veterans from throughout the state are planning to fly out to Washington, DC, said Luchterhand.

The Honor flights provide transportation for the veterans, and volunteers to assist them, to the WWII Memorial and other war memorials in Washington, DC, on a one-day trip.

Private and commercial donors and regional veteran’s organizations support The Freedom Honor Flights.

In addition to the World War II Memorial, veterans will also visit other Washington, DC landmarks, including the Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Wall, Lincoln Memorial and the Marine Corps War Memorial.

Luchterhand who has lived in Granton all but two years of his life and spent most of his life farming; served in the U. S. Army from 1942 to 1945 as a machine gunner. 

Luchterhand was part of the Normandy Beach invasion and stated he shot down eight planes the first morning he was there. 

Walker, who was born in Neillsville and has spent the last 30 years in Neillsville, served in World War II as a member of the U. S. Army 350^th Infantry from 1945 – 1947 and was stationed in Italy at age 18.

Walker, who worked for Nelson Muffler for 21 years, plans to enjoy the banquet and trip.

The veterans will enjoy a special program Sunday and other activities in Wausau Sunday and Monday before flying to Washington DC, from Central Wisconsin Airport in Mosinee Tuesday morning. 

“I’m really looking forward to [the trip],” said Walker.

Related Articles:

WWII vets enjoy trip to Washington D.C.