Danny L. Swindler, of Warren, recently traveled to Washington, DC along with his son, Danny L. Swindler, II (also of Warren), to visit the memorials. They were joined by approximately 80 other veterans from across the state (along with their guardians) as part of Honor Flight Maine's latest trip honoring those who have served our country.

Danny served his country as an E3 with the United Stated Navy from 1970 to 1974. He was stationed in Chu Lai, Vietnam as part of the Navy Ground Force. He also served aboard the USS Coral Sea and served two tours in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

Danny first came to Maine in 1964, just a couple of years ahead of his father's retirement from the United States Navy. He graduated from Brunswick High School in 1968. Upon his honorable discharge from the United States Navy in April 1974, he met his future wife, Vicki, and they were married that October and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. In 1979, Danny and Vicki moved to Warren with their young family, where they all still reside today. Since 2020, Danny has been dealing with the effects of Agent Orange exposure he endured while in Vietnam.

Danny was honored to be selected to be a part of Honor Flight Maine's most recent trip to our nation's capital at the end of June. He is very fortunate to have had the opportunity to go on this trip with his son and have that time together, a time that neither will forget.

According to Danny, "it was very emotional for me at the Vietnam Wall." He says he enjoyed seeing all of the monuments and memorials and meeting new people, both those that served during the same time as himself and also those that are currently serving. 

Both Danny and his son state that for the duration of the trip, from the moment they entered the Portland Jetport that Friday morning, upon their arrival in Baltimore, all around Washington, DC and back to Maine that Sunday, they received the VIP treatment. Danny would like to extend his gratitude to everyone who made this trip possible for him and his son.

Danny's wife, Vicki; daughter, Dawn Bailey and her husband and kids; daughter-in-law, Julie Swindler and kids; and brother, Dean, and sister, DeAnn, and their spouses, were all on hand to welcome the two Dannys home along with all the other veterans.

Dawn Bailey wrote this article with Danny's assistance.