Veterans Look Back
By: Jackie Smith
Updated: November 11, 2010
92 years ago today, World War I ended.
One year later President Woodrow Wilson declared that every November, Americans would take time to honor our countries fighting men and women.
These two men did not serve together but they remain close because of their ties to the military.
It's a bond they say only military men can understand.
And on days like today its important to pay tribute to men like these humble heroes.
bob keating was part of the air force for 21 years. and he loved every second it.
"Two years of service and it ended up being 21," said Bob Keating.
Now he's restoring the plane he first trained in back in 1956.
"I can't wait to fly this plane again," said Keating.
Keating retired as a Colonel in the Air Force.
Now he enjoys taking rides in old war planes with his buddy Randy Wilson who also served.
Even though it was for only for three years back in 1971.
Wilson considers his time in the army the best experience of his life.
"The discipline, the things that you do in your normal course of duty, really its one of the best education a person can get, this is real life," said Randy Wilson.
As they gave me a tour of these colorful airplanes.
Keating said memories began flooding back almost as if they had gone back in time.
And Keating said thats why he works at the CAF.
"It's like being back in the military, my wife and I loved it and really missed it and its nice to get back in an organization that we can do that again," said Keating.
On days like Veterans Day they take the time to honor the people current serving, and our veterans from past wars.
"As long as their people who want to take away our freedoms we have to have armed services and I support them in any way I can," said Wilson.
"Right now we have other problems, we have problems at home..but we still have the military fighting," said Keating.
"They're all heroes," said Wilson, "I just did what I could and always look back on it as one of the best times I have ever had."
These vets also spoke about the importance of VA Medical Centers to help troops with post traumatic stress after wartime.
They said they have seen many friends helped by the VA and hope people will continue to support them so they can keep vets off the streets.
