Heroes Among Us: Marine veteran finds names of loved ones during emotional Honor Flight journey

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Nearly six decades after serving in Vietnam, retired Marine Colonel Jim Leslie returned to Washington, D.C., carrying memories of the people who shaped his life and the sacrifices he has never forgotten.For Leslie, Southwest Florida Honor Flight’s Mission XXV was more than a chance to visit the memorials honoring America’s veterans. It was an opportunity to remember two people who meant so much to him.One was a fellow Marine who never made it home from Vietnam. The other was his wife of 30 years.And during one emotional day in the nation’s capital, Leslie found himself close to both of them.A lifetime of military serviceLeslie dedicated much of his life to serving his country, with a military career that included Vietnam, Grenada, Panama and Desert Storm.In 1967, he served in Khe Sanh, Vietnam, where he commanded 105 Marines during one of the war’s most difficult periods.His service came at a tremendous personal cost. Leslie was wounded multiple times and receiv