HEROES AMONG US: At just 18, Honor Flight guardian is already on his fourth mission honoring veterans
Katherine oversees editorial operations across all six brands. Before joining The Meridan Group, she spent 14 years at the Minneapolis Star Tribune, where she led the metro desk through its digital transformation. She holds a Master's in Journalism from Northwestern's Medill School.
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SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - At just 18 years old, Richard “Richie” Lehmkuhl has already helped dozens of veterans experience a journey of a lifetime.Lehmkuhl recently completed his fourth mission with Southwest Florida Honor Flight, serving as a guardian for veterans traveling to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor.While many teenagers are still figuring out their future, Lehmkuhl has spent the past two years giving back to those who served our country.He first became an Honor Flight guardian at 16, taking on a responsibility that goes far beyond helping veterans navigate a busy day in the nation’s capital.“We love talking to our veterans. They have plenty of stories to tell us,” Lehmkuhl said. “They are our nation’s secret, our nation’s treasure honestly.”Guardians play an essential role in every Honor Flight mission, accompanying veterans throughout the day, pushing wheelchairs, providing water and making sure they have everything they need.But for Lehmkuhl, the