Honor Bus departs to DC

TIFFIN — Twenty-six veterans departed from the Seneca County Fairgrounds early Friday morning aboard the fifth annual Seneca County Honor Bus, bound for national memorials in Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The weekend trip was made possible through community donations, fundraisers and a sponsorship from WIN Waste Innovations of Seneca County, which contributed $20,894.10 to help cover travel expenses for the group of veterans and their companions. "We have a great committee here," said Honor Bus coordinator Jen Pahl. "The hospital in Fostoria donated sack lunches, Autumnwood Care Center donated breakfast, and so many others have helped make sure everything came together so we could leave on time." This year's group includes 25 male veterans and one female veteran, most of whom served after the Vietnam War. The itinerary was adjusted due to the federal government shutdown, with stops now including the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville and Mount Vernon, in place of the National Museum of the U.S. Army. Each veteran is accompanied by a companion — often a spouse, child or friend, who pays a reduced fee of $300 covering the full weekend's expenses. "When we come back, people are just overwhelmed with the support and love," Pahl said. "They get closure going on this trip. I always feel like I didn't do anything, because these veterans are the ones who served for the United States. We just help get them there." Pahl said the program was first organized in 2019 by her late father Dennis Nye, along with Jim Nusser and Mike Lauterbur. Friday's trip marks the fifth Honor Bus to leave Seneca County, with a sixth scheduled for Oct. 31. "We wouldn't have this possible without the community and surrounding counties helping us out," Pahl said. Ben Nutter of WIN Waste Innovations said the company was proud to support the trip, calling it "a way to give back to those who have given so much for all of us." The Honor Bus will return Sunday evening, concluding a weekend of reflection and remembrance at some of the nation's most significant military memorials.