War veterans get ready to take flight

MOSES LAKE — Two Moses Lake veterans are going on an adventure to reflect on their years of service and pay respects to the soldiers serving beside them.

Ross Sterling and James Paris are traveling to Washington, D.C., on Inland Northwest Honor Flight’s program to visit the World War II memorial. The men are accompanied by 38 veterans and guardians.

Honor Flight started in Spokane in May 2009 to recognize American veterans for their sacrifices and achievements by flying them to Washington, D.C., at no cost. The program relies on sponsorships from local businesses and tax deductible donations from citizens to cover the cost for the trips.

“I’m excited to see everything,” Sterling said. “I wanted to go to remember the years gone by and because I hope to see friends I served with.”

Paris admitted he was initially skeptical about the trip.

“I had mixed feelings about it,” he said. “I didn’t want to go at first because I knew it would bring back memories I didn’t want to have. After thinking about it, and being persuaded by my wife, I decided to go for it.”

Sterling and Paris’ friend, and Vietnam War veteran, Gene Davis is serving as guardian during the trip. The three men have been close since 1960.

“These two are heroes,” Davis said. “I’m honored to accompany them on the trip and to watch them be appreciated for all they’ve done.”

 Honor flight volunteers are asked to welcome the veterans home at the end of a trip, attend to information booths at events or help with general mailing. Guardians attend the trips to Washington, D.C,. at their own expense to assist the veterans.

“I think (the program) is great because it is giving these men the chance to pay respects to their fallen comrades,” Davis said. “You often hear going to memorials is a chance for closure, but it’s more than that. It’s about respect.”

It is also about pride, Sterling and Paris said.

“Being a veteran is important to me because I am patriotic and I believe in our government,” Sterling said. “I feel like I did something important in the wars I served in.”

Sterling was drafted to serve in World War II after graduating from high school and took part in the Korean War. As a radio operator, Sterling often packed heavy equipment onto the back of a mule and walked for miles in Burma.

“What I remember the most from those experiences, was living in the jungle,” he said. “Only humans and mules are strong and smart enough to survive in a place like that.”

Sterling often went hungry.

“Eating and rest was something we never got enough of,” he said. “Our food was supplied by air drop and sometimes it wasn’t safe for planes to come to us, so we were forced to go hungry.”

There were no cellphones or e-mail during Sterling’s years of service. He had to wait at least a month to receive a letter from friends and family.

“It’s a sacrifice everyone in the service has to make,” Sterling said. “It’s very hard to be away from loved ones. You just miss them all the time.”

Around 1940, Paris and three close friends signed up to serve in World War II one week after graduating from high school.

“We knew we’d be drafted soon and we wanted to serve our country,” Paris said. “We were sent right away to an army technical training center in Illinois. We hopped on a freight train and were on our way.”

Paris traveled to England to protect the locals from German invasion.

“The thing I remember the most is eating British rations,” he said. “I still remember what the kidney pie they served us smelled like.”

Paris was promoted to Master Sergeant in 1942. Shortly after, he prepared to invade North Africa.

“Africa was so hot during the day and freezing cold at night, which we didn’t expect,” Paris said. “We had no blankets to sleep with when we first landed, so we had to make due with the clothes on our backs to keep us warm.”

Paris was a part of the Tactical Reconnaissance Group in 1950 during the Korean War.

“I was involved for a year before returning home,” he said. “I’ve spent the rest of my 26 years moving from one base to another.”

Adjusting to civilian life proved very difficult, Paris and Sterling said.

“I really had to scurry around to land a job,” Sterling said. “We were discharged in 1945 and there were thousands of men coming back from the war needing jobs.”

Despite some struggles, the men were glad to return home.

“That was the best part,” Sterling said. “Coming home and looking back to what you accomplished.”

Paris agreed.

“And the girls were glad we returned,” he added, laughing.

The men have many awards for their years of service.

Sterling’s honors include the Combat Infantry Badge and the Burma Star. Paris’ recognitions include the medal for Humane Action and the Army of Occupation Medal.

Paris moved to Moses Lake in 1948 temporarily and returned in 1960 to work as an Air Force supply worker. Sterling moved to Moses Lake in 1954 to work for the state.

“The thing I am most proud of is that I served,” Sterling said.

Paris and Sterling hope to remember times spent with their fellow service men in Washington, D.C.

“You get very close to one another and become great friends,” Sterling said. “It’s just a normal response when you are in a tough spot. The men became family to me; they were people I could trust with my life.”

Paris said all hesitation about visiting the memorial has passed.

“I want to recognize the years gone by,” he said. “I can’t wait to get there.”

For more information, to donate or to volunteer, visit www.inwhonorflight.org or call Gene Davis at 509-760-1174.