American Legion Post 136 Adjutant Mike Moore greets veteran Walter Santoni-Acevedo and travel partner Maria Rodriguez-Mojica. They were with the Puerto Rican Honor Flight contingent stopping at Post 136 while on their way to Washington, D.C. Post staff, community guests, and local and state government leaders shared their appreciation of the veterans' service to their country. (Photo courtesy Honor Flight Network)

 

Honor Flight Network brings veterans to Greenbelt American Legion

Greenbelt, MD

April 30, 2023

By Butch Hicks

The Greenbelt American Legion Post 136 Family hosted a visit by more than 60 Puerto Rican veterans and associates on April 12. The veterans of WWII, Korea and Vietnam were participating in the Honor Flight Network. The Department of Defense describes Honor Flights as an opportunity to honor and thank the Americans who secured our freedom by bringing them to the nation’s capital to see the memorials that commemorate their service.
Mike Moore, Post 136 adjutant and former commander, said Post 136 was proud to provide a trip respite for the veterans. “Post 136 and the Greenbelt community honor veterans during annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies,” he said. “This was another opportunity for the American Legion Family and the Greenbelt and surrounding communities to show appreciation for veterans’ service to their country.” Post 136 staff and community visitors greeted the two busloads of veterans with many “Thank you for your service” comments.

Butch Hicks is second vice commander of Greenbelt American Legion Post 136, and a Navy veteran. As the public affairs coordinator for the post, he reports to local news outlets activities involving Post 136 and community support, veterans recognition events such as community public events on Veterans Day and Memorial Day, and other functions.


Veterans from the Puerto Rico Honor Flight celebrated with flag-waving, acknowledging appreciation of their service by government representatives and community leaders. (Photo by Butch Hicks)

Joseph Pruden, a veteran and veterans program coordinator for Rep. Glenn Ivey, representing the 4th District of Maryland. Pruden extended Ivey’s appreciation for the veterans’ service. (Photo by Butch Hicks)

Honor Flight veterans at the WWII memorial. (Photo courtesy Honor Flight Network)

Moore (left) joined American Legion Department of Maryland Commander Ronald Holcombe in welcoming the Puerto Rican veterans to Greenbelt American Legion. Holcombe praised the veterans for their service and for "wearing their nation's cloth" when they answered their country's call. (Photo courtesy Honor Flight Network)

Greenbelt city council member Ric Gordan, assisted by a Spanish-language interpreter, shared his and the Greenbelt community's appreciation of the veterans' service and sacrifice. (Photo by Butch Hicks)

Submitted by:
Butch Hicks

« Previous story
Next story »