Two local veterans celebrated as they return home from Honor Flight

Went to Washington on Saturday

(ENOCHSBURG, Ind.) – Two local veterans are being celebrated as they have just returned home from the Honor Flight.

Greensburg resident Fred Huser and Enochsburg resident Ray Wuestefeld were two of 86 veterans who took the trip from Indianapolis to Washington, D.C. on Saturday. 

Huser enlisted in the Army in 1969 and went to Vietnam at the age of 21. He saw combat firsthand and was among the servicemembers who returned back to the United States and faced hostility and negative treatment from the community. 

After his honorable discharge in 1971, Huser would go on to serve his community as a member of the Greensburg Police Department for 43 years. 

Wuestefeld served in the Navy from 1961 to 1967 and had two tours in the Mediterranean.

“He’s told me that serving in the Navy was the best thing that has ever happened to him,” his wife, Pat said. 

After the service, Ray opened Wuestefeld TV & Appliance in 1977 and operated it for decades. He continues to repair products on side.

Sandy Volk is a close friend and was among those who welcomed Ray back when he returned home Saturday night. 

It's been a difficult few years for Volk as she has lost her husband, daughter and granddaughter. 

“Ray has done so much for me and my family and has been there through really tough times,” she said. 

Volk has a son currently in the armed forces and Ray and his wife have joined her when she's dropped her son off for the military.

"He also has done so much for the community as well," she added.

We spoke with Ray on his way home from the airport Saturday night. Here’s how the day went:

Ray and Fred had to be at Decatur Central High School in Indianapolis at 4 a.m. Saturday. 

They boarded a flight and landed in Washington and toured multiple memorials. 

Wuestefeld said there was one veteran on the trip that was 97-years-old and had served in World War II. Another veterans was missing both of his legs.

During the trip, Ray made a point to find a local name on the Vietnam Wall. 

“We’ve got one individual on the Wall that is from Enochsburg and his name is Kenneth Luttel,” Wuestefeld said. 

You can read about Luttel by clicking here.

The trip was capped off when they returned to Decatur Central High School where 2,000 people welcomed the veterans back. 

It was a day that Wuestefeld will never forget and he says it was an honor to be part of it.

“They really roll out the red carpet and I was brought to tears a couple times just because of how well they treated us,” he said.

He added, "It is definitely a worthwhile trip and if any veterans want to go to Washington they should take advantage of Indy Honor Flight."

While Ray was in Washington, Volk stopped by his home and put out decorations ahead of his return. 

Here are some photos from Ray's front yard before he arrived home. (Click to Expand)