The Honor Flight with Larry Hoose

Joscelyn Martinez.

Retired Air Force veteran Larry Hoose.

For Larry Hoose, the Honor Flight experience was a grind, and he loved every minute of it.

"It was very hectic with long days. I don't regret going, I would have done it again," he said.

Hoose is one of approximately 46,000 U.S. military veterans who call Kern County their home.

He began his journey in the Air Force at 20 years old. Since most male members of his family were serving in the military, he felt that it was his duty and calling to serve as well.

On Oct. 6, 1967, Hoose enlisted in active duty. He provided security in stations as military law enforcement. During this time he served in the Vietnam War. Throughout his years in service, he was stationed in multiple areas around the world, including three years in Alaska and one year in Turkey. He officially retired from the army at the March Air Force Reserve base in Riverside, California on Sept. 1, 1988. Hoose and his wife have lived in Tehachapi since 1998.

The Kern County Honor Flight Network is one out of 136 hubs throughout the country. The nonprofit organization aims to honor U.S. veterans. The foundation will often invite veterans to Washington, D.C. for a tour of national monuments.

Hoose joined approximately 100 other veterans on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. from Oct. 1-3. They travelled from Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield to Washington, D.C. These trips are free for participating veterans. On the trip, he was able to meet and engage with other veterans who served in the Vietnam War. There were veterans from WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam War and a survivor from the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

While there, he was able to meet U.S. Congressman Vincent Fong.

"He was a wonderful man," said Hoose. "He was very appreciative of our work and service."

Hoose described the trip as very fast paced. In just two days, these veterans were shown around the nation's most substantial landmarks, such as Fort McKinley and the Lincoln monument. They were also shown the Korean War, Vietnam War and the Hiroshima Peace memorials.

While these places can be explored virtually, Hoose emphasized the importance of seeing them in person. He deemed it, "a completely different and moving experience." The trip helped him to better understand the history of the country he served.

He highly recommends Honor Flight and the trip to all veterans, those who are still serving and those who are retired.Through this experience, he was able to bond and connect with other veterans who served when he did and hear their stories and encounters in the military. It proved to be an eye-opening experience, for all in attendance, and a great way to recognize the hard work and sacrifices that people like Hoose had to make.