What began as a single mission to honor WWII veterans by bringing them to see their memorial in 2005 has now honored more than 300,000 veterans in over 129 hubs nationwide. Central Valley Honor Flight lifted off Oct. 13-15 for the 33rd flight with 67 Korean and Vietnam war veterans on board. Their journey took them on a private capitol tour along with visiting the memorials that both honor their military branches and their service. Participation in the Honor Flight allows each veteran, alongside their guardian, to remember the fallen, share their stories and for many, the first time they feel valued and honored for their service. This series highlights many of the unforgettable stories from Central Valley Honor Flight 33.
The annual Fresno Christian Veterans Day chapel welcomes students, staff, honor flight passengers and veterans to step away from the chaos of society and take a moment to listen and pay homage to those who have served our country. This year FC dedicated the entire chapel time to the speaker and other events. FC’s mixed ensemble choir sang the national anthem and “America the Beautiful” before the traditional trifold of the flag and a slideshow of veterans.
Gary Parnell, an 80-year-old retired Vietnam army veteran, was invited by Paul Loeffler to share his army stories from 1968 to 1970 and his role as a M-60 machine gun squad leader. Before enlisting, Parnell had a prolific career in sports playing football, baseball and basketball, in McMinnville, Oregon. Bright things were on the horizon, as a future in college football looked promising for Parnell. Despite these opportunities, Parnell’s servant’s heart and desire to protect his country led him and a friend in Colorado to enlist, changing the course of their lives forever.
Parnell joined the 101st Airborne Division as a jumper in the U.S. military because of his great eyesight, ability to stay calm and make decisions. This helped him get placement as a machine gun squad leader, carrying his gun while his crew carried the ammo and other parts. Through ignorance or optimism there was no doubt in Parnell’s mind that he would live, being the very last person to sign a beneficiary to ensure his assets to his family.
“I knew I was going to make it and had a life ahead of me,” Parnell said. “I was fortunate to be alive.”
On tour, Parnell’s fellow soldiers and entire company turned over, leaving 123 men dead or wounded. A shrapnel wound took the vision in his left eye, a hit in an eight-hour firefight leaving 14 men dead. A landmine that claimed part of his left foot while he was driving a deuce and a half-earned Gary Parnell a purple heart for being injured in combat, amongst three bronze stars and four other medals. Although seeing the brutality of war, Parnell’s confidence was unshaken.
After seven surgeries and six months of recovery, Parnell could walk again, returning to civilian life and entering into a whole new battlefield.
Returning soldiers from Vietnam did not receive a warm welcome. Many were beaten, threatened, spit on and criticized. These young men who served their country were caught in politics and felt the backlash aimed at the government, all while trying to find a sense of normalcy as they returned.
“They train you to kill, but they don’t train you to be a civilian,” Parnell said. “I got into a lot of fights.”
As soldiers returned home, many began to navigate through trauma in an attempt to return to their old lives, including Parnell. Parnell faced many challenges and personal battles in the return to civilian life, until he found Christ and gave his life to the Lord.
“I had a lot of problems, until I got baptized in the name of Jesus, the anger went away,” Parnell said. “The Lord tenderized me, now my wife calls me a marshmallow.”
Parnell started his own business as a drywall contractor and remodeler before working 15 years with the United States postal service. Parnell has been married to his wife, Barbara, for 47 years, a long-time delivery nurse at a community hospital. Parnell likes to spend his well-deserved retirement golfing.
For his acts of service, Parnell was invited to the 32nd Central Valley Honor Flight this September. Accompanied by his pastor Larry Montano, who had served as a guardian for his father on the flight before, Parnell took flight with the one goal: finding the name Clifford Sims on the Vietnam memorial wall.
Sims, a well-respected sergeant of the 101st hand selected Parnell to be a part of his squad because of his age and experience. While in battle, a grenade was thrown 10 yards away from Parnell. Without hesitation, Sims jumped on it using his body to protect his comrade, giving his life for a friend.
Sims was a great man, well liked, brave and respected by all. He is one of twenty of African American soldiers to receive the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam war and led the only company to have two recipients of a medal of honor including himself and Joe Hooper.
Parnell completed his goal, finding his best friend’s name amongst the 58,281 others on the memorial wall.
“I bawl once about every 10 years, but I cried then,” Parnell said.
For his undeniable and outstanding heroism in the heat of battle, Parnell was invited to lay the wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier because he had the most medals on the flight. The statue represents all soldiers lost in battle during World War I, World War II and the Korean War who were not able to be identified or found.
Parnell got the homecoming he deserved and embarked on an unforgettable journey with fellow soldiers he could only describe as family.
“That was the quickest three days, but the best trip I’ve ever been on,” Parnell said.
Parnell is a true American hero, and a living example of strong patriotism, good character and unwavering faith. Through his life and all that he has been through, Parnell has one piece of advice for all younger generations.
“Our world is getting more complicated, but you have to put your faith in the Lord,” Parnell said.
His favorite verse is 1 John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”
To read more about or donate to the Central Valley Honor Flight, visit their home page.
To read more from The Feather Honor Flight series, visit Honor Flight: Veteran Rich Tolladay or Honor Flight: Veteran Danny Noe.
Delaney Meyers • Nov 20, 2025 at 11:29 am
Great job Jacob! I’m proud of you for tackling such a cool article and sharing this veteran’s story with our community.