Gulf Breeze veterans to join Honor Flights
BY VICI PAPAJOHN Gulf Breeze News vici@gulfbreezenews.com

World War II Veterans Jack Ferguson, left, and Bretz Linger, right, greet each other at a veterans reunion sponsored by the Gulf Breeze News. The Gulf Breeze residents have known each other for years, live near each other and worship at the same church, but neither man knew the other was a WWII vet. "It's not something you really want to talk much about," Ferguson explains. "You are proud you've served your country, and you are glad you were there. But you are glad to be done with the job." Ferguson's wife Margaret, rear, joined the group and shared her memories as well. Both men will be on the upcoming Honor Flights.

Local veterans have been invited to participate in the Emerald Coast Honor Flight to tour the National World War II Memorial, and the first flight is scheduled for April 30. At least five veterans who live or work in Gulf Breeze are on the list to attend one of the flights. Frank Dutko, Bretz Linger, Dick Robb, Jack Ferguson and Donald Naggatz have all been notified that they will be included.

"We went to the museum this past weekend for the orientation," says Beryl Naggatz, "and we got a list of all who are going. Each vet has a guardian or two going with them as well, and they are taking very good care of the vets. Donald is very excited as he is confirmed on the first flight."

Linger displays the silk scarf map he carried with him on all his air missions over Europe.. The map detailed escape routes in case the aviator was shot down.

Participants of the first flight attended the training and information session at the National Museum of Naval Aviation on the Naval Air station, and are ready to go.

Gulf Breeze News is sponsoring periodic reunions with area vets, so if you are interested in attending one or want more information on the Honor Flights call Vici Papajohn or email vici@gulfbreezenews.com.

At the first reunion, Linger passed around a silk scarf that he was issued as an aviator. The scarf was imprinted with an escape map to be used in the event of a bailout.

"Thank God I never had to use it," he quipped.

Ferguson shared a metal-clad New Testament that his mother presented him when he enlisted. He said that many infantrymen kept such Bibles in their left pockets near their hearts, and reported some were spared when bullets struck the metal binding.

The goal of the Honor Flights is to afford the veterans the opportunity to attend the World War II Memorial in Washington, D. C. It was finally constructed 60 years after the end of the war, and for many it was too late. Emerald Coast Honor Flight is faced with the very real challenge of getting these heroes to their memorial in time.

Emerald Coast Honor Flight is asking the public for your support to help make the dreams of our World War II veterans come true and is still taking donations to fund the veterans' trips. For more information or to help, call Sheilah Bowman in Congressman Jeff Miller's office at 850-479- 1183.