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Five local veterans and their companions are part of the 20th Snap-on Honor Flight tour to visit their memorials in Washington, D.C.

Bobby Arnett of Elizabethton, Wade Campbell and Bruce Price of Mountain City, and Jim Bates and Albert Cox of Bristol departed the Tri-Cities Airport Friday morning to join 20 veterans and their companions from across the country in the nation’s capital to begin their Snap-on Honor Flight trip. To date, Snap-on has sent nearly 500 veterans to Washington, D.C., for this unforgettable and well-deserved experience. These local veterans were nominated by Snap-on associates and retirees from the Elizabethton manufacturing facility for this landmark 20th Honor Flight.

For more than a decade, U.S.-based Snap-on has ensured its retirees, associates, franchisees, and their family members have the opportunity to feel the company’s gratitude for their service. Snap-on has dedicated resources and worked closely with the Honor Flight Network over the past 11 years to make sure those who have served their country and the company are honored in this significant and memorable way.

Local veterans making the Honor Flight included:

BOBBY ARNETT – Marine Corps, Vietnam. He enlisted in the Marines at age 17. He also served in the National Guard. Rose Arnett nominated her husband, Bobby, for this 20th tour. Rose is a retiree of Snap-on, having spent 27 years at the company.

WADE CAMPBELL – Army, Vietnam. Trained in a military motor pool. Michael Campbell nominated his dad, Wade. Michael has been with Snap-on for 20 years.

BRUCE PRICE – Army, Vietnam. Served as a helicopter crew chief and a door gunner. Michael Campbell nominated Bruce Price, his father-in-law. Michael has been with Snap-on for 20 years.

JIM BATES – Marine Corps, Peace Time. Jim joined the Marines at age 18. He served in various communications roles and was deployed to be part of the Cuban Blockade. Scott Bateman nominated his uncle Jim. Scott has worked for Snap-on for 20 years.

ALBERT COX – Army, Vietnam. Albert was drafted into the Army in 1963. Along with his military duties, Albert was selected for the 8th Infantry Bullets drill team and performed at football games and shows as time permitted. Scott Bateman nominated his uncle Albert. Scott has worked for Snap-on for 20 years.