News | Louisville Prosthetics

Saher Al Qahwaji, April 14, 2025

Honor Flight Bluegrass takes off on latest mission, September 5, 2023

When Ernest Wallace Jr. came home from his tour in Vietnam, he recalls receiving unexpected guidance from a superior officer. “They told me to go into the latrine, change my clothes, and put on ‘civvies,’” Wallace said. “I remember thinking, ‘What is this about?’ Then they explained that some people might throw things at me or call me a baby killer.”

On Tuesday, the reception could not have been more different. At Muhammad Ali International Airport, Wallace was met with applause and cheers as dozens of volunteers and spectators gathered to honor him and more than 80 fellow veterans as they boarded a flight to Washington, D.C. The journey was organized by Honor Flight Bluegrass, an organization that arranges visits to the nation’s War Monuments for veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Tuesday’s departure marked Honor Flight Bluegrass’ 48th mission. These trips are provided at no cost to veterans and are made possible through the efforts of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

Wallace, who lives with PTSD stemming from the combat he experienced and the fellow service members who never returned home, said he hopes the visit to Washington will offer a sense of healing. “Peace of mind,” Wallace said. “I don’t know how I’ll react when I’m at the Wall. I know it’s going to be emotional, and I’m sure I’ll shed a few tears.”

Those interested in supporting Honor Flight Bluegrass can do so by clicking here.

WHAS 11, September 26, 2018

Dionte Foster, from St.Kitts in the Caribbean is a 2-time, Gold Medalist in tennis in the Special Olympics. Soon after winning his second Gold Medal, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and had his left leg amputated above the knee. See the following stories about Louisville Prosthetics providing him with this life-changing prosthesis and helping him get back on the tennis courts. Please click on the images below to view the story in its entirety.