Smithson's family is sending two veterans to honor their father, W.A. Smithson, who joined the U.S. Army in 1941 and served four years during World War II. Unfortunately, W.A. Smithson is unable to make the trip, but Rep. Smithson said the family wants to honor his father by sending two veterans in his place.
Smithson said, "Many veterans are not in good enough health to make the trip, including my own father who is an invalid. But it means a lot to him if another veteran could go in his place. My family wants to send a couple of veterans in honor of my father."
The lawmakers are calling the initiative "Project Greatest Generation."
Both Smithson and Corn are calling upon civic groups, businesses, industries and individuals to help pay for the trip. They estimate the trip will cost about $800 per person, which will cover airfare and a hotel. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs has agreed to provide any medical services needed on the trip.__
Between 40 and 50 veterans have signed up to make the visit.
Donations may be made through the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and America Legion posts in the Sequoyah and LeFlore Counties, and be considered donations for tax deduction purposes, the legislators said.__
Tom Long, quartermaster for VFW Post No. 4518 in Sallisaw, said he has established an account for donations at First National Bank in Sallisaw. Anyone wishing to donate to the project may deposit the money in VFW Post No. 4518 Greatest Generation Account.
Smithson, Corn and State Rep. Neil Brannon (D-Arkoma) initiated the project and are asking everyone to help. They hope to make the trip to Washington, D.C., in early May. The deadline to make a donation for the project will be the last of March.__
Corn said, "There are 1,500 World War II veterans dying every day. We talked about how great it would be to send any who can to see the memorial.
"I think this is a very obtainable goal," Corn said. "It's a very emotional thing for these veterans."_"
Smithson said, "We have had a great reception to this idea from the public. We are asking everyone to sponsor someone on this trip in honor of their own families."
