Nick Celebrates Memorial Day 2014 on Iwo Jima

May 26, 2014- Nick was hand picked by H&HS LtCol Lewis to join him and 7 other marines and celebrate Memorial Day on Iwo Jima. Nick was honored!

They mustered at 0430 in the hangar. This is the C12 they would be flying.

 

LtCol Lewis (left) and his co-pilot LtCol Carriero (right) preparing to fly the plane.

Tight quarters!

And take off!
It was a flight.

 Land ho! Iwo Jima from above

Once on the island, they hiked the 10 miles to other end, up Mt. Siribachi and back. Nick said it was brutally hot and humid, that it was not a very pleasant hike.

Stopping for shade along the way.

There are a few memorials atop Mt. Siribachi commemorating all those who perished on the island during the war.

 

Nick added his dog tags to the memorial.

Nick and LtCol Lewis

 

The Japanese memorial.

 On the way back they walked along the beach and scooped up some sand to take home.

 Phew! Hot and sweaty and back at the airport.

 The plane was equally as hot when they boarded and took a few hours to cool down.

There she is- Iwakuni!

 A sharp turn and then landing.

What a once in a lifetime opportunity!