True meaning of Memorial Day
Col. Kurt A. Matthews, 920th Rescue Wing commander, learned the meaning of Memorial Day from the scars his father, Maj. George Matthews, Ret., wears. George was a Vietnam pilot who was awarded the Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroics in Vietnam. George Matthews flew fighter-bomber missions in the A-26 Invader over Southeast Asia to halt war supplies being transported along the Ho Chi Minh trail from Dec. 1966 - Oct. 1967. George lost his brother Aitken "Kenny" Matthews in Vietnam the previous year on Feb. 14, 1966. George instilled in Kurt at a young age the meaning of Memorial Day. George visits 13 friends whose names are on the wall. (Photo Illustration by Maj. Cathleen Snow)