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Freedom Honor Flight: ‘Others more deserving’
Like many veterans, Daniel Butterfield said that someone other than him should be part of the Freedom Honor Flight.
“My sister coaxed me into it and said, ‘You served for 25 years, put your name in and get on the flight,’” he said. “It was with coaxing. I said that there were others that were more deserving, but it’s really been an experience.”
As with a number of veterans, this is his first trip to Washington to see everything.
Visiting the Vietnam Memorial on Saturday brought back memories of the others he went through basic training with when he joined the Army.
“I’ve seen the Traveling Wall, but to physically be here and see the wall and look at 1969 because I went in in ’68. And some of the guys I served with in basic training and AIT (Advanced Individual Training) were in Vietnam in ’69. And it was quite overwhelming. Definitely brings back memories.”
After basic training, he served as a carpenter in Texas repairing barracks but never was sent to Vietnam.
Eventually, Butterfield retired after 25 years in the Army Reserves. He was based at Fort McCoy in a field exercise brigade working with the many units that came to the fort every year for training.
As for coming on the flight, he has no regrets other than wishing he could share the experience with his wife and children.
He knows someone who he’d like to see make the trip.
“I’ve been trying to tell my brother who served on a submarine for 20 years in the Navy that he should sign up and come. He has, so far, refused. It would be an experience for him, without a doubt. I think he needs it.”
Coverage of the Freedom Honor Flight
Freedom Honor Flight: Welcome Home
Freedom Honor Flight: Seeing my friend
