Seth Manor and Kathryn McGowen, seniors in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Nursing, served as volunteer escorts for more than 140 military veterans on HonorAir Knoxville’s Flight 35 to Washington D.C. on Sept. 25. It was the organization’s second flight dedicated to honoring women veterans and celebrating their service by visiting national monuments.
Manor and McGowen, both cadets in UT’s Army ROTC program, played a significant role on the trip, ensuring that veterans had a safe and memorable experience — assisting them at the airport, during the flight and at the memorials.
Showing Appreciation
“It was pretty amazing when we landed in D.C. and got off the flight,” said McGowen. “There were cheers, flags and children singing. A lot of my vets became pretty emotional.”
The group first visited the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, where visitors have a view of the Pentagon, the headquarters of the Department of Defense.
From there, the veterans stopped at the National Mall to see the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, which commemorates the 265,000 women who served in the Vietnam War, many as nurses.
“One of my favorite parts was seeing how individual the experience was for everyone and seeing them find something that really spoke to them,” said Manor.
Veterans on Flight 35 represented various eras of service, from the Vietnam War and Gulf War to combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. One participant, Katherine Orr — a former Navy Nurse Corps officer who served during the Vietnam War — shared valuable lessons with future nurses like Manor and McGowen about listening to those they support from all levels within an organization.
Sharing Lessons from Military Service
“The most significant people I remember from my service are the chiefs, corpsmen and noncommissioned officers, who taught me more than I ever learned from school,” said Orr. “Trust and cultivate those around you — those who have been there and done that, as the saying goes.”
Orr, who enlisted in 1968 against her father’s wishes, emphasized that today’s military nurses and leaders must remember the fundamental purpose of their service: to care for those under their responsibility. Orr explained that her decision to join was driven by reports of draftees being maimed or killed in Vietnam, which compelled her to take action and help.
McGowen noted that many veterans, like Orr, expressed they were simply fulfilling their duty and that they were deeply moved by the gratitude and appreciation shown to them during the HonorAir Knoxville event.
“Being a nursing major and being in ROTC, I’ve chosen to give my life to service,” said McGowen. “I’ve been taking this experience all in and I definitely learned a lot about how many have volunteered and served our country before us, and they shouldn’t be forgotten.”
The day concluded after a final stop at Arlington National Cemetery to witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Welcome Home
Upon their return to Knoxville later that day, Manor and McGowen supported the group during one last tribute: a welcome home ceremony at McGee Tyson Airport. The veterans were greeted by hundreds of supporters who formed a long line beneath balloon arches. They welcomed the participants with handshakes, flowers and hugs amidst cheers, clapping and patriotic music.
“I hope that they continue to let UT nursing students come on these trips and have this same opportunity we had to see how impactful it is for veterans,” said Manor. “A lot of them never got to go to D.C. or see these memorials from the wars or campaigns that they were a part of. I’m glad we were able to give back to them.”
Manor, of Gordonsville, Tennessee, and McGowen, of Fairfax, Virginia, will be commissioned as officers in the Army Nurse Corps in spring 2025.
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Media Contact:
Cindi King (865-974-0937, cking126@utk.edu)