A Journey to The Wall
8 months ago
Lowell Tonips’ Journey
From a simple call to Southwest Reservations to fly himself to Washington D.C. to visit The Wall and see the names of friends and family lost in Vietnam, Mr. Lowell Tonips embarked on a deeply personal journey. Upon calling Southwest Reservations, Lowell spoke with Chris in San Antonio, sharing the purpose and significance of his solo trip. Chris, moved by Lowell’s story, spread the word among a few Southwest colleagues. Nan, a Flight Attendant, took immediate action and Rudy in Cleveland, reached out to inform Jon in Reno. Thus began Lowell’s mission to reach The Wall.
A volunteer named Susan became Lowell’s tour guide and guardian. Southwest Airlines flew Susan in from Columbus, OH, and accommodations were arranged. Nan and other employees contributed funds online to cover Lowell’s expenses, ensuring he had everything from meals to transportation provided. The team in Oklahoma City facilitated Lowell’s journey, seamlessly transitioning him to the Washington D.C. crew. The exchange was marked by his smiles, hugs, and tears over the next four days.
During his trip, Lowell witnessed a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Sentinels serving during this time were equally moved by his story and welcomed him into Quarters, presenting him the rare opportunity to be amongst the Tomb Guards.
Recently, Lowell’s Guardian Angel shared this touching comment:
“I am sure this saved his life. Just a gut feeling that he was not doing well mentally and his quickly reactive trip was to snap himself out of the funk he was in. Life savers…all of you!!!”
There is a YouTube video with more pictures of Lowell’s journey. The video can be seen by clicking this link: Lowell Tonips' Journey on YouTube
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Did you know?
How many Sentinels have been female?
There have been over 700 tomb guards awarded the badge since 1958 when we started counting. There are hundreds more from the year 1926 when the Army started guarding the Tomb. The 3rd US Infantry (The Old Guard) is the unit that has been given the duty of guarding the Tomb. It was given this sacred duty in 1948. The Old Guard was -- and still is -- considered a combat unit. As an Infantry unit, females were not permitted in the ranks for many years. It wasn't until 1994 that females were permitted to volunteer to become a Sentinel when the 289th Military Police Company was attached to the Old Guard. The MP branch is a combat support unit and includes females.
In 1996, SGT Heather Johnsen became the first female to earn the Tomb Guard Identification Badge. She volunteered for duty in June 1995 and earned her badge in 1996. However, SGT Johnson was not the only female Sentinel. Since then, there have been a total of eight female Sentinels awarded the Tomb Guard Identification Badge:
SGT Danyell Wilson earned her badge in 1997SSG Tonya Bell received hers in 1998
SGT Ruth Hanks earned her badge in June 2015
SFC Chelsea Porterfield earned her badge in 2021
SGT Kamille Torres earned her badge in 2022
SPC Jessica Kwiatkowski earned her badge in 2023
SGT Kaylee Johnston earned her badge in 2024
Several other units have since been attached to the Old Guard -- food service, transportation, medics, etc. -- so now females have an ever-greater opportunity to become a Sentinel. Females must meet the same requirements as the male soldiers to be eligible to volunteer at the Tomb. the only difference is that females have a minimum height of 5'8" -- which is the same standard to be a member of the Old Guard.
