On Veterans Day, News Center 7 anchor Letitia Perry visited the Dayton VA to sit down with a diverse group of local veterans. Each shared a glimpse of their service and why this holiday holds special meaning for them and their families.
Emily Burke – Army heavy equipment operator
Emily Burke enlisted in the U.S. Army right after high school, serving from 2010 to 2016. She operated backhoe loaders and bulldozers on construction sites overseas. “I had always participated in sports… senior year in high school… for a bigger purpose,” Burke said, recalling her mother’s mixed emotions when she decided to enlist. Today she works as a veteran patient advocate, helping fellow service members navigate the VA system.
Arthur Williams – Navy sonar technician
Arthur Williams spent six years (1977‑1983) as a sonar technician in the U.S. Navy. He originally aimed for the Air Force, but a recruiter convinced him otherwise. “The Air Force told me I wasn’t smart enough!” he joked, noting that his listening skills later proved vital in detecting enemy submarines in the Indian Ocean. Williams earned a Bronze Star for his service and now volunteers at the Dayton VA, assisting other veterans with benefits and community resources.
Clyde Travis – Marine Corps infantryman
Clyde Travis served in the U.S. Marines from 1966 to 1970, including a tour in Vietnam. He earned two Purple Hearts and a personal letter from the President of the United States. “I’ve been shot at a lot, been injured, still got shrapnel in me,” Travis recounted, describing a two‑day ammunition dump explosion that blew a finger off and was later reattached. His story underscores the physical and emotional scars many veterans carry.
Wandlyn Handy – Air Force trailblazer
Wandlyn Handy broke barriers in the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1979 to 1988 at a time when most women were limited to nursing roles. Rising from staff sergeant to captain, Handy attributes her progress to determination and faith. “Once I got in, my focus changed… proud of that, real proud of that,” she said. Handy believes recognizing veterans today is more important than ever, noting that the holiday gives the community a chance to honor those who have sacrificed for freedom.
Why Veterans Day matters
All four veterans agreed they would serve again in a heartbeat, emphasizing the deep sense of duty that continues to guide them. They also highlighted the importance of community support, from local businesses offering meals to volunteers assisting with paperwork. “It gives everyone an opportunity to be recognized; veterans come and eat,” Handy added, underscoring how the day fosters gratitude and connection.
The Dayton VA plans additional outreach events throughout the holiday weekend, inviting families and neighbors to learn more about veteran resources. As the nation reflects on the sacrifices of its service members, these local voices remind us that honoring veterans is both a personal and communal responsibility.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
