NEW WINDSOR – Before the sun came up Saturday, several veterans from the region readied for a day of thanks in the nation’s Capital via a Hudson Valley Honor Flight.
Three of the men, Thomas Buglisi, a West Hurley Korean War Army vet who served 1964-1965 on the DMZ, US Army Vietnam vet Tony Kowalski of Rhinebeck, who served 1970-1976, and Ed Van Ek, an Army Vietnam vet from 1965-1970, who served as a drill instructor, of Wanaque N.J., were part of a contingent of 84 vets, whose service spanned from WW II through the Cold War, who departed from and returned to Stewart International Airport on Saturday.
“I am going today because I heard some much about it,” said Buglisi. “It’s such a memorable thing. And I have two friends who died in Vietnam, and I want to go them on the wall.” Kowalski wanted very much to see the nation’s Capital following his service half a century ago. “I feel privileged and honored,” he said, adding, “I have never been to Washington to see the monuments and stuff. It’s a great honor to go.”
Van Ek, a former Middletown resident, was also excited to go as public animus toward Vietnam vets has vanished over the years. “I feel very honored to be going, that’s for sure,” said Van Ek, who noted that Vietnam veterans were not readily welcomed back after serving in Southeast Asia. People did not like us for a long time. And now I find we are getting honored a lot more. Every time I wear my hat, three or four people will thank me for my service.”
Nathan “Nate the Great” Grant, an Army veteran that served in Vietnam, has dedicated his post-war life to helping veterans. Grant is the Commander of American Legion Lafayette Post 37 in Poughkeepsie and joined Saturday’s flight at the age of 78 as a tribute to his squad from Vietnam. Grant was slated to return to the States in 1967, after being in-country for a year. Just before he came home, tragedy struck the squad, killing all but Grant. “I’m the sole survivor of my squad and since that day, I have dedicated my life to helping other veterans.” In addition to helping veterans, the former Army tunnel rat has also authored two children’s books in recent years.
