Former Minonk resident takes honor flight to Washington, DC
Sunday, December 09, 2012 - Posted 1:10:37 PM
Former Minonk resident Ralph Rossman participated in the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight on October 16. The flight's mission is to transport veterans to Washington, DC to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices.
Ralph and 81 other veterans flew out of Springfield Airport at 6:15 in the morning on October 16 and arrived in Washington, DC at 9:00 EDT. The group was served breakfast on the flight. The rest of the day was spent visiting the various memorials in the DC area. The group flew back from Washington at 8:10 PM and arrived back in Springfield at 9:30 CDT. Ralph was escorted by his daughter Theresa Weldy on the trip.
Ralph received a purple heart while serving in the European Theatre during World War II. After returning from service, Ralph worked at the Minonk Post Office as a clerk and then as a mail carrier. After his retirement he and his wife Bernie moved to Normal, IL where they currently reside.
Ralph and his escort, daughter Theresa Weldy, await their flight to Washington, DC.
The site of the World War II Memorial.
Ralph and Teresa pose in front of the Illinois segment of the World War II Memorial.
Ralph stands in front of the Korean War Memorial.
These statutes are near the Air Force Memorial.
The group was given a royal welcome on their return to the Springfield airport that evening.
Upon their return, Ralph and Theresa were met by Ralph's niece and nephews. From the left is Ruth Cunningham of Normal, IL, Bruce Von Nordheim of Minonk , Ralph Rossman, Teresa Weldy of Normal, IL, and Larry Von Nordheim of Springfield.
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