AUGUSTA — A group of veterans embarked on a journey from Portland to Washington, D.C. as part of an Honor Flight, an event dedicated to honoring America’s heroes. last month.

Among the participants were two members of the Maine Army National Guard, Col. Jim Young of Bowdoin and Chief Warrant Officer Four TJ Libby of Portland, who accompanied their fathers on the trip.

TJ, left, and Joseph Libby in front of the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. Maine National Guard photo

The trip, organized by Honor Flight Maine, transported veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at their respective war memorials. The program focused on senior veterans, particularly those who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The flight was a reminder of the sacrifices made by these veterans and their families, according to a news release from Nicholas Erickson with the Maine National Guard.

Libby’s father, Joseph Libby of Casco, was a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps who served in Vietnam from 1966-67. Young’s father, James Young of Dixfield, was a lance corporal — also in the Marine Corps — who deployed to Vietnam from 1964-65, primarily near Da Nang. Coincidentally, both Cpl. Libby and Lance Cpl. Young both sailed from the U.S. to Vietnam on the USNS General Hugh J. Gaffey — a shared experience that was the source of several colorful stories.

Libby, a seasoned Army National Guard member serving as executive officer to the adjutant general, expressed his anticipation for the trip prior to departure. “It’s an incredible honor to share this experience with my father,” he said. “We have always looked up to those who served before us, and this trip is a tribute to their sacrifices.”

Jim, left, and James Young at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Maine National Guard photo

Young, who serves as the Maine Army National Guard’s chief of staff, echoed similar sentiments. “Having the opportunity to visit the nation’s capital with my father, who has been my role model, is truly special,” Young said. “This flight is more than just a trip; it’s a way to pay our respects to those who paved the way for us.”

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