http://amarillo.com/news/local-news/2012-10-30/vets-organization-chief-retires

It’s been said many times that Americans’ treatment of returning Vietnam War veterans resulted in a shameful chapter in our nation’s history.

One of the vets from that era, Jack Barnes, sought to do better by returning veterans. He succeeded beyond all measure. Barnes has announced his retirement from America Supports You-Texas.

The Perryton native has done his duty on behalf of returning veterans. And he deserves thanks for all he has done.

Barnes retired from the Navy as a chief petty officer. But his military retirement didn’t conclude his commitment to our nation’s men and women in uniform. He’s organized welcome-home receptions at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport for veterans returning from battlefield sin Iraq and Afghanistan. He’s also extended “welcome home” greetings to Vietnam vets.

Indeed, Barnes has extended such greetings to me on more than one occasion over the years. I appreciate the gesture, Jack.

But he’s also been honoring World War II veterans with Honor Flights. Barnes has been relentless in his quest to give WWII vets a chance to visit the memorials along the Mall in Washington. The flights are arranged to take these aging heroes to the nation’s capital, to extend a token of thanks for their role in defeating the forces of tyranny in the 1940s. All of them have come back enriched by the experience and filled with gratitude for what Chief Barnes did for them.

I want to join others in thanking Jack Barnes for his service to the country in the Navy, and for what he’s done to salute all our brave warriors.