Honor Flight rewards two veterans with Tidewell ties

Tidewell-connected veterans join Honor Flight

It was a remarkable visit May 2 to the nation’s capital for two veterans with Tidewell connections.  Dennis Johnston, a Marine who served in Vietnam, is a Tidewell Hospice patient, and Dave Thomson is a Tidewell Foundation supporter and hospice volunteer, as well as an Army and National Guard veteran.

It was coincidence that brought them together on a Southwest Florida Honor Flight, which transports veterans to Washington, D.C., to be honored at their memorial and receive “the welcome home they deserve.”

Dave Thomson had been selected to go and would be accompanied by friend and Tidewell Foundation colleague Nicole Taylor. Then, thanks to the Tidewell Foundation Wishes Fund, Dennis Johnston also was able to make the trip. Each veteran must be accompanied by a “guardian,” who helps ensure the veteran has a safe and memorable day. Guardians, however, are responsible for their own expenses. Tidewell Wishes Fund covered the expenses for Dennis’s guardian, his wife, Sharon.

The trip began at the Punta Gorda airport with a water cannon salute before the veterans and guardians toured the World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery for a changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.

They also received a very patriotic welcome home, greeted by family, friends and community, when back on the ground in Punta Gorda.