07/29/2026
Isaiah 6:8
And then I heard the Lord saying, "Whom should I send, who will go for us?" Then said I, here I am, send me.
There are so many people who answered the call to help Ret. Lt. Col. Chester "Chet" Pettey accomplish his final assignment. At 101yo and a three war veteran: WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, Chet has returned from Arlington National Cemetery where he laid his wife, Virginia, to rest. He will join her "shortly, he hopes."
Many of you have seen Chet and Virginia dining at the restaurant on Sundays or watch them waddle across the porch and down the ramp to head home... Chet manhandling his walker and Virginia stopping to talk to everyone along the way. If you were lucky, she might have sung 'Happy Birthday' to you in French!
I am truly grateful for the help that so many people that came together to make sure this mission would be a success. Chet has one daughter, Carol and husband Dave, who is 79yo and lives in Georgia, so a team of local volunteers raised their hands to assist.
THANK YOU TO YOU ALL!!
Charlton J. Meginley and Murphy Haydel with the Louisiana Dept of Veterans Affairs
Grant McCurdy, his wife, Heather, and Honor Flight Louisiana for the pics, video, interviews, and documentation.
Association of US Army, John Schroder, and Scott Nowicki
American Airlines for the seat assignments, rearranged flights, and acknowledgement of Chet's presence on each plane he boarded.
Julia Meraux Pearce for coordination of legal documents.
Dr Tim Riddel and Dr Plaisance at Ocshner who assisted in all things medical.
Nicole Charlet and Charlet Funeral Home in Zachary for all the logistics with Arlington National Cemetery.
Mark Ernest Dixon for all those farm chores done alone and Elisabeth Reins Dixon endless flight searches and laptop logistics.
The many families that offered donations to make the financial aspect reachable:
Scott Discon and Williams
Dustin Porte
Scott Wolf
Smiley family
Jeff Lyons
Michael Blache
Dr Josh Brandner
Schneider family
Goodman family
Shane Mutter
Gardner family
Nick Powers
(If I forgot anyone, please remind me)
The pics are courtesy of Murphy and Grant, who both gave time above and beyond, personally and professionally. They were the 'boots on the ground.' Grant put together the video that WAFB aired last week.
https://www.wafb.com/2026/07/21/101-year-old-louisiana-veteran-travels-arlington-bury-wife-33-years/
