TOPEKA, Kan. (KAKE) – One Navy veteran was honored for his service to his country and for showing that the fighter in you doesn’t disappear when the uniform comes off.
“We don’t give up…we don’t quit,” said U.S. Navy veteran Arnell Washington – a man who has spent much of his life serving others and overcoming challenges.
The Kansas State Fair honored Washington as one of its Hometown Heroes, a recognition given to just five veterans from across the state.
“I don't even know how to really explain this besides it's an honor,” said Washington. “It's a huge honor to even be considered.”
Washington joined the U.S. Navy in 2000, at the age of 24.
“I wanted to be around the jets. I wanted to be around the planes,” said Washington.
He became an aviation electrician aboard the USS Enterprise, working on F/A-18 fighter jets.
Then came September 11th, 2001.
“Then 9-11 happened and we made a U-turn in the ocean. And from that point forward, it was combat, combat, combat,” said Washington.
Washington completed two deployments to the Middle East, serving in both Afghanistan and Iraq. He says it was a demanding career, filled with long days and difficult experiences.
But Washington says having h...