William G. "Bill" Sprouse, 84, of Sallisaw suffered a heart attack on May 12 during the trip, which was part of The Greatest Generation Project, an effort by local legislators to send 51 World War II veterans from Sequoyah and LeFlore Counties to see the memorial. Because of the medical flight, which was arranged by local legislators, Sprouse arrived back to the area on May 15.
The cost of the flight prompted family to set up an account to help pay for it. The account is called the William G. "Bill" Sprouse Trust Fund and is at National Bank of Sallisaw.
One of Sprouse's daughters, Saundra Carter of Belmont, Miss., said the trust is still accepting donations. She said the family had to sign a promissory note for the flight, which cost $14,542.
Carter said several benefits are in the works for Sprouse, including several concerts.
Carter said the family would like to thank all those who have helped the family, including the Masons, of which Sprouse was a member, who have raised about $1,800, U.S. Rep. Dan Boren (D-Okla.), State Rep. Glen "Bud" Smithson (D-Sallisaw), and State Sen. Kenneth Corn (D-Poteau) who helped get Sprouse back home by arranging the medical flight, Belinda Scoggins of Professional Home Hospice, and others.
Carter explained that the group arrived in Washington, D.C., on May 11, and on the morning of May 12 the group traveled to see the World War II Memorial, the aim of the trip.
After seeing the memorial, Sprouse became ill and was later taken to a hospital. He had suffered from a heart attack. Because of his health, Sprouse couldn't fly commercially.
Carter said because of the flight, her father got to come home to be with his family before he died. Carter said her father was too weak to tell his family about the trip, but she said prior to the trip he was excited about it.
"The only thing we have are the pictures," she said.
Sprouse is a retired truck driver from Time Freight in Oklahoma City. He has lived in Sallisaw since 1958. He has two daughters, Carter and Brenda Cotten of Sallisaw.
Sprouse served in the medical corps during World War II and was stationed in Virginia.
