Exactly 80 years after his death, U.S. Army Air Corps Tech. Sgt. William Luster Leukering's remains were buried Thursday, July 18, at Round Springs Cemetery, just outside Metropolis, Illinois.
Service and sacrifice — a debt owed by all Americans to fellow Americans who have served us at great cost. Who are these brave, caring Americans who live among us? In this special reporting, you’ll meet people like the 100-year-old veteran who fought for us at Anzio in World War II, first responders not afraid to confront what could hurt us and the special school teacher who cares so much about teaching our children that she spends her own time and money on that cause. There’s the missionary who carries healing medicine and consoling words to far off places, the doctor who puts her calling above her bank account, the Vietnam veteran who — after all these years — is still helping buddies cope with the trauma of that terrible war. What makes some of our neighbors so willing and ready for service and sacrifice? They come from every walk of life. The common thread in their stories? They are American stories: Stories of service and sacrifice.
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Stories
Volunteers of all ages set up 400 American flags Wednesday in Metropolis to honor the U.S. Army Air Corps soldier whose remains were finally repatriated last week after he disappeared during World War II.
A line of men and women in biker gear stood to attention and saluted Friday in the terminal of Barkley Regional Airport in Paducah as the remains of TSgt. William Luster Leukering returned home, 80 years after he went missing in action in July 1944.
Klutts has received several awards, including the World War Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Tuesday afternoon at his house, the Obion Veterans of Foreign Wars presented him with a World War II pin for his service and sacrifice.
Honor Flight Bluegrass’ next and final honor flight of the year is set for Sept. 5. It's an opportunity for military veterans to see the monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C., honoring their service and those they fought beside.
This is a story of closure, half a world away and 78 years later.
To date, more than 343,000 Quilts of Valor have been given to veterans and service members.
The event is a ton of fun for reenactors, but the inspiration for it was far from enjoyable. The Battle of the Bulge lasted six weeks, beginning in December 1944 and ending in January 1945.
In an emergency, you call them. First responders are critical; many times they make the difference between life and death. And in many cases, they're volunteering to put themselves in harm's way to help you. That includes the men and women of the Obion County Rescue Squad.
On Dec. 7, 1941, 2,403 people died at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked the Hawaii naval base. A Paducah man survived. He passed away in 1981, but his story lives on thanks in part to a special interview he gave.
A local group has worked to make sure the man buried in a small cemetery in Martin, Tennessee, is not forgotten. Their efforts, and his story, in this edition of Service & Sacrifice.
A local small town is celebrating their veterans in a big way.
A west Kentucky woman is searching for a memento of her father's military service that was sold by mistake. Could you be the person who helps her find it?
PADUCAH — Women have served in the Marines since 1918. Their role has changed considerably over the years. Between 2013 and 2016, for example, the military removed the ban on women serving in combat military occupational specialties, allowing women into all combat-related fields.
But statistics can only tell you so much. There are real people behind the numbers, like Shaunise Singleton. Singleton's family was on the brink of homelessness, literally days away from having nowhere to go. It shouldn't be this way for those who served their country, she said.
Twin sisters are proving they're ready to serve their country, taking part in two prestigious military programs this summer.
MARSHALL COUNTY, KY — They served together on the same ship. Then both went to Vietnam. The Story brothers have a story to tell, one of a strong bond and a strong sense of service and sacrifice.
They took flight Friday at Barkley Regional Airport’s Midwest Aviation. The plane arrived to lots of fanfare. This was its second trip to Paducah.
In a few short weeks, 10 World War II veterans will take to the skies in a B-25 Mitchell Bomber. Honor Flight Bluegrass and the Kentucky Veterans Program Trust Fund are making it possible. Edward Helpa of Calvert City is one of those veterans.
Barkley Regional Airport invites the public to meet the veterans who will fly in the bomber Friday, and the plane will be open for free tours on the ground Friday evening.
In a few short weeks, 10 World War II veterans will take to the skies in a B-25 Mitchell Bomber. Honor Flight Bluegrass and the Kentucky Veterans Program Trust Fund are making it possible. Otis Melton of Fulton is one of those veterans.
In a few short weeks, 10 World War II veterans will take to the skies in a B-25 Mitchell Bomber. Honor Flight Bluegrass and the Kentucky Veterans Program Trust Fund are making it possible. Thomas "Sprout" Davis of Calvert City is one of those veterans.
In a few short weeks, 10 World War II veterans will take to the skies in a B-25 Mitchell Bomber. Honor Flight Bluegrass and the Kentucky Veterans Program Trust Fund are making it possible. Ed Dorsey of Paducah is one of those veterans.
MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KY — In a few short weeks, 10 World War II veterans will take to the skies in a B-25 Mitchell Bomber. Honor Flight Bluegrass and the Kentucky Veterans Program Trust Fund are making it possible. Wayne Quertermous is one of those veterans.
June 6, 1944: D-Day. While most of us only learn about it, World War II veteran Lloyd Klutts survived it.
"To me it means that maybe I helped save this country. Not individually, but being a part of it," Jerome Watkins said.
An incredible trip, and a first for Kentucky, local women share their stories after taking the state's first all-female veterans' honor flight trip.
"We're preparing to honor 134 female veterans from across the commonwealth for both the service and the legacy that they leave for future generations of women," Ashley Bruggeman with Honor Flight Kentucky said.
UNION CITY, TN- He witnessed D-Day, and this weekend you can meet that real life hero.
The Constitution is Cmdr. Billie J. Farrell's office. It's a view she doesn't take for granted. "Every day when I drive to the gates here and see the ship it just puts a smile on my face, and I'm so humbled and lucky to have the opportunity to serve as the 77th commander," Farrell said.
During WWII, Waggoner served in the European and Pacific theaters in the Navy amphibious forces.
Another local World War II veteran has died. David Payne was 100 years old.
After a tornado destroyed a veteran's house in Marshall County, Kentucky, a woman and her friends dug through the rubble to find and return this flag to him.
We first shared local Vietnam War veteran Michael Elliott's story with you in November, following the honor flight trip to Washington D.C.
Moving forward by honoring our past — that’s the whole idea behind a recent beautification project in Mayfield.
Watch Local 6's Jennifer Horbelt speak with some local veterans as they reflect on their day in D.C.
The veterans who went to Washington, D.C., Wednesday with Honor Flight Bluegrass landed in Kentucky at about 9:30 p.m. CT.
The remains of a World War II veteran from Paducah have finally been identified nearly 80 years after he was killed at Pearl Harbor.
Clyde Cissell is a Korean War veteran from the 25th Division, serving when the North Korean forces invaded the Republic of Korea in June 1950.
Wednesday was a special day all around with Honor Flight Bluegrass, most importantly for the veterans who traveled to Washington, D.C., to visit monuments in their honor.
WASHINGTON — What a day for nine of our local World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans.
Honor Flight Bluegrass took off with nine local veterans on board Wednesday — and they have had the trip of a lifetime in Washington, D.C.
There are a few father-son duos on Honor Flight Bluegrass' trip to Washington, D.C., including William and Tony Kitchen. They share a love for the Navy — and the law.
Just a few hours remain before Honor Flight Bluegrass lifts off from Louisville, headed to Washington, D.C., with a group of Kentucky veterans, including local World War II veteran George Brock.
The big event in D.C. starts Wednesday, but the celebration of their service and sacrifice started the moment they arrived in Louisville.
Meet Marines Charles and Rodney Baker. As they say, like father like son.
MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KY — The last living World War I veteran, Florence Green, a British citizen who served in the Allied Armed Forces, died in 2012 at 110 years old. When we lose a veteran of any war, we lose a wealth of knowledge. But the past can be preserved and even be brought to back life.
JJ wrote a book about his life story, and he was frequently seen at many Paducah Veterans Day parades. A graveside service will be held for him Monday.
We talked with World War II veterans who got to ride in the B-25 Mitchell Bomber "Show Me" Friday. They were touched by the number of people who came out to support them and thank them for their service.
PADUCAH — It was an unforgettable day for 15 local World War II veterans.
PADUCAH — The B-25 Barnstorming Tour Across Kentucky landed in Paducah Friday. Three flights for 15 local World War II veterans.
