SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — During the three-day Permian Basin Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., veterans are paired with “battle buddies," guardians or other veterans who stay by their side throughout the trip.

One of those pairs was Thomas Segulja of Midland and Frank Casares of San Angelo, both Vietnam-era veterans who served in different branches but share a deep respect for those who wore the uniform.

Segulja served in the Air Force from 1974 to 1981 as a navigator on a C-130. He said joining was an opportunity to further his education.

“It was an opportunity for me to get an education,” Segulja said. “I’m a small-town boy from West Texas, and I got an opportunity. I went to the Air Force Academy for four years before I got active duty, and I got to meet other youn

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