Launch the media gallery 1 playerPleasant Hill Alum Travels to D.C.
After celebrating his birthday on September 11th, Kenny Wombles was invited to fly out to Washington, D.C. with the area's other veterans. Accepting the invite would mean finding a ride to the airport in St. Louis, spending the day in the nation's capitol, and flying home late at night. At 87 years old, Wombles agreed to accompany his fellow veterans on this once in a lifetime opportunity.
The Honor Flight program prepared several surprises for the veterans. The bus that would take them to Quincy where their family, friends, and supporters would meet them was escorted by hundreds of motorcyclists. A ceremony would be held at John Wood Community College for them after the parade. Also, the Honor Flight asked the families to put together a "mail call" of letters to the veterans.
Wombles thoroughly enjoyed the time spent in Washington. As he toured the famed monuments, he remembered all he dedicated to keeping them safe.
The graduate of 1944 left for the Army right after World War II ended. After a few years of service, he later joined the Air Force. During his time serving, Kenny Wombles wrote to the ones he missed dearly at home. Money filled one message for one of his sisters to buy a bicycle.
After his service to his country, Wombles moved to Louisiana, Missouri where he resides today. He has two children, two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and no shortage of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Every Sunday he crosses the river to Pleasant Hill for the church services and pops in the local grocery store to catch up with his nephew and grand-nieces.
When asked about his trip, he says the most memorable part was witnessing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
On behalf of the community of Pleasant Hill, we thank you for your service!
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