3 War veteran makes trip to Chosin Few reunion
Community Helps Korean War Veteran To Reunite With Comrades
Posted: Aug 11, 2016 7:38 PM EDT
KTEN.com – No One Gets You Closer
SHERMAN, TX- A Texoma marine who fought in the Korean War is getting the chance to reunite with some of those he fought with. All thanks to the generous giving of those from the community. At 88 years old, James Haun is one of only a few veterans who fought in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir that is still alive today. Next week he’ll get to see and visit with others who fought alongside him.
James Haun still remembers what it was like when serving his country during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. Not only were the American warriors dodging bullets from across enemy lines, but struggling to stay warm with winter temperatures 60 degrees below zero.
On Saturday, Haun, his wife and their care taker are heading to San Diego California for the “Chosin Few Reunion. A chance to visit with fellow comrades and support marines who’ve enlisted.
The trip was made possible thanks to a community effort. One of the women involved in helping make this trip possible says Haun is more than deserving.
“He has served his country so faithfully for so long,” said Elise Bennett.
It’s a trip of a lifetime. Something Haun says he can’t wait to share with his wife of nearly 62 years.
Along with community donations the Twilight Wish Foundation helped fund the $10,000 for the trip.Saturday a motorcade will escort them to the train station where their journey will begin.
UPDATE: Saturday, August 13, 2016
Riding in their own limousine, Haun and his wife, Connie, received an escort to Gainesville by the North Texas Patriot Guard and local law enforcement. In Gainesville, they boarded a train and will arrive in San Diego in three days.
“More than 20 riders in front of and behind the limo,” North Texas Patriot Guard Captain Tom Feltner said. “Unfortunately, most of our rides are at funerals so today we are very excited to be riding about something that is happy.”
Though her health keeps her from traveling often, Connie Haun was happy that she was getting to make the trip with her husband.
“I have not had much time to think about the train ride, but I am glad that my husband is going to be recognized for his work during the Korean War,” she said. “He is a great guy, a wonderful and thoughtful man. He is willing to help everyone. He is a really good person so he is deserving of this trip.”
The Hauns’ trip was sponsored by Twilight Wish Foundation, an organization that helps raise funds to make veterans’ wishes come true.
http://www.kten.com/story/32741972/community-helps-korean-war-veteran-to-reunite-with-comrades
Korean War veteran James Haun, who served in the Marines, began his journey Saturday to the “The Chosin Few” reunion in San Diego. The reunion of survivors of the 1950 Chosin Reservoir conflict, a 16-day battle during the Korean War where U.S. and United Nations forces endured extreme cold, will begin on Tuesday.
“This trip means an awful lot because this could be the last time I get to see any of these people, and I really look forward to visiting with them,” Haun said. “I have friends from this area that will not be able to make the trip. I wish some of my other friends were able to make the trip, but I am very glad that I am here.”
Renaissance Community Management team member Elise Bennett has heard Haun talk about the battles that he was in and said that the Chosin Reservoir conflict was one of the toughest.
“Haun remembers how there was no food,” she said. “They ate Tootsie Rolls for weeks. It was negative 60 degrees. Their water was frozen so all they had to drink was snow. They had to endure so much during that battle.”
Riding in their own limousine, Haun and his wife, Connie, received an escort to Gainesville by the North Texas Patriot Guard and local law enforcement. In Gainesville, they boarded a train and will arrive in San Diego in three days.
“More than 20 riders will ride in front of and behind the limo,” North Texas Patriot Guard Captain Tom Feltner said. “Unfortunately, most of our rides are at funerals so today we are very excited to be riding about something that is happy.”
Though her health keeps her from traveling often, Connie Haun was happy that she was getting to make the trip with her husband.
“I have not had much time to think about the train ride, but I am glad that my husband is going to be recognized for his work during the Korean War,” she said. “He is a great guy, a wonderful and thoughtful man. He is willing to help everyone. He is a really good person so he is deserving of this trip.”
The Hauns’ trip was sponsored by Twilight Wish Foundation, an organization that helps raise funds to make veterans’ wishes come true.
http://www.kxii.com/content/news/Donations-send-local-Korean-War-veteran-to-reunion-390129772.html