[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Pages 14278-14279]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO LEONARD DISHMAN

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I wish to recognize a venerable 
Kentuckian and veteran, Leonard Dishman. Mr. Dishman, along with a 
group of other veterans, was recently a participant in an honor flight 
visit to Washington, DC, and he was also recently recognized for his 
accomplishments in service by his hometown of Monticello.
  World War II veteran Leonard Dishman experienced an unforgettable day 
on October 1 of this year when he, along with 75 other veterans, 
participated in honor flight. This memorable day began for Mr. Dishman 
at 4 a.m., when he and his daughter departed for the Lexington airport.
  Upon arrival, he and his fellow veterans were greeted by Governor 
Matt Bevin and others who were there to wish them a good trip. Mr. 
Dishman's guardian for the trip, Larry West, commander for the local 
Disabled American Veterans, expressed how honored and proud he was to 
be a part of such an ``inspirational day.''
  Honor flight provides an opportunity for veterans to visit the 
memorials in Washington honoring their service to our country. When Mr. 
Dishman and the other veterans landed in DC, they were given a police 
escort to every stop they made in the city. They visited the World War 
II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and Arlington Cemetery before 
they flew back to Lexington in the evening, where they were welcomed 
back by lines of people waving flags.
  Mr. Dishman told his guardian, Larry West, that it had been ``the 
best day of his life.'' That same day, Mr. Dishman, a native of 
Monticello, was escorted by police with his family back to his 
hometown, where he was presented with a declaration proclaiming October 
1, 2016, ``Leonard Dishman Day.''
  Honor flight is very close to my heart, as my own father served in 
World War II in the European theater, and I am grateful to have had the 
privilege of meeting with several honor flight participants in the 
past. I am extremely proud to represent Leonard Dishman, such a 
remarkable man and veteran here in the Senate, and I extend my thanks 
for his service. I am sure my colleagues join me in expressing 
gratitude for his service as well. He truly represents the best of 
Kentucky.
  An area publication, the Outlook, recently published an article 
detailing Mr. Dishman's day with the Honor Flight program. I ask 
unanimous consent that the article be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                   [From The Outlook, Oct. 12, 2016]

     Dishman has memorable day on Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

       Saturday, October 1 is a day that 91-year-old Leonard 
     Dishman will never forget. He packed a whole lot of memorable 
     experiences in less than 24 hours, beginning with an early 
     morning flight from Lexington to Washington, D.C. and ending 
     with a special ceremony commemorating a day in his honor back 
     in his hometown of Monticello.
       Dishman, a World War II veteran, was among 75 veterans who 
     participated in Honor Flight that day. Dishman, like so many 
     veterans, had never gotten the opportunity to visit the World 
     War II Memorial, until he participated in Honor Flight.
       Honor Flight's mission is to fly World War II, Korean War 
     and Vietnam veterans to Washington, D.C. for a one-day, all-
     expenses-paid visit to the memorials that are dedicated to 
     their service and sacrifices. The October 1 Honor Flight was 
     one of only two this year, and it was sponsored by Toyota 
     Manufacturing.
       The day began very early for Dishman and his family, 
     according to his daughter, Anneda Guffey. They left for the 
     airport about 4 a.m. Once at the airport, the celebration 
     began, as organizers had put together a big send-off for the 
     veterans. Governor Matt Bevin and others were there to wish 
     them well on their day.
       Larry West, commander for the local Disabled American 
     Veterans, served as Dishman's guardian for the trip.
       ``It was such an honor for me to be a part of this,'' West 
     said. ``It was just an inspirational day, and I am proud to 
     have been part of it.''
       West and other members of the local D.A.V. learned more 
     about Honor Flight when Gary Campbell from the organization 
     spoke to them about it earlier this year. Since Dishman was 
     the oldest member of the local D.A.V., West thought it would 
     be a great experience for him. He noted that the priority of 
     Honor Flight is to involve World War II veterans.
       Also at the send-off were members of a sorority that 
     provided breakfast for the veterans and their families. Once 
     the plane landed in Washington, D.C. the group enjoyed a 
     police escort to every stop along the way.
       West noted that they also visited the Korean War Memorial 
     and the Vietnam War Memorial. The group went to Arlington 
     Cemetery, where they watched the changing of the guard and 
     the placing of the wreaths.
       After a jam-packed day of touring different memorials, the 
     veterans and their guardians flew back into the Lexington 
     airport, where a heroes' welcome awaited them.
       Two lines of people waited, waving flags and cheering. West 
     noted it was just like a parade.
       ``Leonard worked the crowd . . . He had a ball,'' said 
     West. ``He told me later that this was the best day of his 
     life.''
       It was about to get even better, as the group of local 
     residents returned to Monticello. Dishman and his family were 
     greeted by policemen who escorted them to the area near 
     Ringley Tire on North Main Street. Family and friends greeted 
     Dishman and he was presented with a proclamation designating 
     October 1, 2016 as ``Leonard Dishman Day.''
       The proclamation noted the many military accomplishments of 
     Dishman, including receiving the Bronze Star of the 
     Philippine Islands for Liberation, two overseas bars, the 
     Atlantic Pacific Theater Ribbon, the Army of Occupation Medal 
     of Japan, the Good Conduct Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge 
     and the American Defense Medal.
       Dishman was named the D.A.V. Veteran of the Year in 2011.
       Dishman was overwhelmed by the turnout and the reception he 
     received.
       ``I want to express my appreciation to D.A.V. Commander 
     Larry West, who was my guardian for the day, to the 
     Monticello Women's Club, the Monticello Police Department, 
     the Wayne County Sheriff's Department and the Monticello Fire 
     Department,

[[Page 14279]]

     as well as the citizens of Monticello and my family and 
     friends, all of whom took part in this event,'' stated 
     Dishman. ``It was thrilling to see how our little town pulled 
     together and accomplished an event my family and I will never 
     forget. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for this 
     amazing gift you gave me.''

                          ____________________