DUNMORE, Pa. — "It's pretty cool. I'm not a veteran myself, but just the fact that it's all linked to the National Cemetery," said Stephen Plevyak. "I mean, that's, that's pretty impressive."
It's a family trip like no other.
Plevyak and nearly 50 members of his family will be heading to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia this week to memorialize his uncle.
Air Force First Lieutenant Raymond T. Plevyak.
"That's my uncle right there. Raymond Thaddeus Plevyak" said Stephen. "In fact, that's my dad's first name. He goes by Ted. He doesn't like Thaddeus."
We met Stephen more than 240 miles away from Arlington at the Lackawanna County Korean War Memorial in Dunmore.
It was Stephen's first time seeing the monument where his uncle's name is listed, among others.
"I knew they had the memorial, the tank you drive by it all the time, but it was brought to my attention his name was on the memorial and this is the first time I ever stood next to it," said Stephen.
One of 11, Raymond grew up in Carbondale before enlisting in the Army Air Force.
"He wanted to be a pilot; he wanted to be in the Air Force," said Stephen.
The day he went missing, Stephen says his uncle was flying a reconnaissance mission.
"One of four planes flying over North Korea," said Stephen. "He was shot down and I believe that was March 1st of 52 I think December of 53 he was declared killed in action."
Over the last six decades, Stephen's cousin and aunt have worked with organizations to try to find Raymond's remains.
"They're looking in river beds, they're looking in, in jungles for, for little bits and pieces," said Stephen. "Unless they found a plan which they never have to me."
While his remains were never brought home- the stone in Arlington will be an official resting place for his duty and sacrifice.
"It's extremely humbling. I'm very proud, very honored," said Stephen.
A sacrifice made for his country and his family.