By Valerie Sliker
Early Wednesday morning, May 13, 2015, Wagener resident, World War II hero and former WSHS FFA Advisor and Ag Teacher Mr. Spencer Smith joined nearly 100 other South Carolina World War II and Korean War Veterans in an Honor Flight to Washington DC for a day of touring their memorials, many of which these heroes have never seen before. These veterans were selected for the one day Honor Flight event and treated like royalty for the day. Smith was nominated by former student Donald Shumpert who also escorted Smith to Washington. Read more about Smith's involvement in the War and selection for the Honor Flight in Valerie Sliker's Aiken Standard article.
The Wagener First Baptist Church Children In Action class led by Debra Thomas and Marjorie Sliker attended the Honor Flight SC's Hero's Welcome at the Columbia Airport as the veterans returned home, landing at 8:01 pm. The girls lined up near the start of the veterans' walkthrough to shake hands with the veterans. Some girls shook their hands and thanked them for their service and one girl was even given a kiss on her forehead. It was a beautiful tribute.
The American Spirit was alive and well in the Columbia Airport for over two hours with a military band playing softly in the background and hundreds of veterans and families sharing stories and saluting each other. Each Honor Flight costs around $60,000 and this was the 21st flight awarded. Due to funding, there were rumors that this would be the last flight, but reports are coming in that more flights will be granted and the program will continue. To learn more about the Honor Flights, to donate or volunteer, get more information at HonorFlightsSC.com. In the News: WLTX Honor Flight Video. WISTV Honor Flight Video.