Page 14 - Spring 2026

A journey of a lifetime for fellow Alumni, Gerald “Butch”

Riley Jr. and Elwood and Conrad Prosser , continued . .

The Ralph and Naiomi Prosser family had ten children, of the Unknown Soldier and the laying of the wreath in
Lewis, Elwood, Lorraine, Stephen, Michael, Nancy, Arlington Cemetery and the World War II Memorial.
Brenda, Paul, Conrad and Daniel.
The Saturday evening meal was sponsored by the local
We all attended Littleton Consolidated School together American Legion and again the attendees received
until eighth grade and then attended Houlton High special treatment by all. As the participants arrived at the
School. After high school Elwood enlisted in the Army, venue, service members from every military branch lined
and he, like Riley, did his basic training at Fort Dix, New up rendering a salute honoring the veterans and helped
Jersey. to serve them.

Other assignments were at Fort Polk, Louisiana, Fort Both Riley and Prosser expressed how emotional this
Benning, Georgia, Viet Nam, Panama, Korea and journey was, a trip of a lifetime and one they will never
Germany. He completed his career in 1992. After his forget. They were waited on every minute of each day.
time in the Army, he settled in Alabama and just recently They were so appreciative of the Honor Flight of Maine
returned to his hometown. organization and even their welcome back to airports of

Their sister, Brenda Gregoire, had filled out the
paperwork and waited almost two years before she was
notified that it was their turn to go. Their trip originated
in Portland. The experience included a visit to Fort
McHenry, and dinner at Freedom Inn at Fort Meade.
During the evening, they were entertained by the Six-
String Soldiers of the United States Army Field Band.
They were joined at their table by service members
attending advanced school training at the base.

Conversation at dinner, included comparing notes with
soldiers from today’s Army verses “back in the day”.

On Saturday, there were eight stops which included: Conrad with his brother Elwood
Marine Corp War Memorial, Air Force Memorial, Navy
Memorial, Military Women’s Memorial and the Viet Nam origin left lasting impressions on all. The veterans both
War Memorial. It was at the Viet Nam Wall that Elwood received special mementos and a photo book featuring
met up with a former high school friend, Sherry Jackins photos taken during their trip.
Whittier, who helped record the event for him.
Maine flights originate from both Bangor and Portland.
This was a very moving experience for all, as names of There are 450 veterans on a waiting list, so support is
fallen comrades were remembered including Houlton needed for this program. There are also other Honor
High School alumni Stephen Porter and Harry McGuire Flight groups in the United States.
III.
If one is interested in learning more about the
Other stops were at the Korean War Memorial, where organization or to donate; visit www.honorflightmaine.
they watched the changing of the guard at the tomb org

14 www.houltonalumni.com