I was on the Mission 23 trip with my wife, Lee, as my Guardian. It was a day I shall never forget. I served with the 1st Logistical Command in Vietnam from October 1966 to February 1968 so I can appreciate the magnitude of detail required to achieve a successful mission. The day was truly amazing. It was very emotional to receive so much love and support, of course from family and friends, but also from people I’ve never met.

There were many highlights. The water cannon salute at Reagan International Airport; seeing the Vietnam wall for the first time; all the other monuments; the water cannon salute at Syracuse Hancock Airport; the active military and veterans who greeted us and a woman who shook my hand and said “welcome home.” It really choked me up. I get emotional retelling that incident.

I was especially happy to experience it all with my wife who had never been to D.C. And the trip was even more special because I got to go with my two brothers, men whom I have admired all my life.

My oldest brother, Sam (nicknamed Hap), served in the Army in Korea in the early 1960s. My older brother, Pat, served as a Marine in the early 1960s also and was aboard a ship that was part of the blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. We were also able to honor our father, Sam, at the Flags of Our Fathers at the WWII Memorial. Dad served in the Navy on a sub tender in the Pacific.

As I said, it was an amazing day. A very long day but worth every minute because it was filled with beautiful memories and deep emotions. Your organization is a well-oiled machine. To all the staff, volunteers and donors who made this a once in a lifetime experience, please extend my most heartfelt thanks.

Sincerely,

Terrence Carguello