ALBUQUERQUE – A New Mexico Republican who is attempting a solo flight around the world to honor U.S. veterans killed in wars said Friday the experience has reminded him of the poverty and shared humanity in the world.
U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-Hobbs, said the trip brought back memories of his time as a combat pilot in the Vietnam War.
Pearce, who has taken a break from the trip and is temporarily back in Washington, D.C., said the experience so far has been “stunning.”
“As I left Jakarta ... I got to remembering the night missions we’d fly out of there,” said Pearce, 68, who has nearly completed the round-the-world expedition in a plane the size of a Volkswagen Beetle. “The memories did come flooding back.”
As he approached Vietnam and Thailand, he became emotional, he said. Pearce flew more than 518 hours of combat flight and 77 hours of combat support during the Vietnam War.
For unknown reasons at the last minute, Vietnam declined to give Pearce permission to land to lay a memorial. The congressman instead flew to Thailand and presented a memorial made by members of Isleta Pueblo, one of 19 Native American pueblos in New Mexico.
The flight, which took three years to plan and began March 27 from Nevada, was temporarily halted in Spain after 16 days because of weather. Pearce said he has 365 days to complete the last two legs for certification.
Pearce said people he met during his 22 stops around the world were generous and helpful, despite the poverty around them. That poverty, Pearce said, reminded him of the important role the U.S. plays.
“The stunning response from everyone amazed me,” Pearce said. “We all have a sense of sadness for those who sacrifice for others in wars.”
