Phoenix bus gets patriotic makeover

Victoria Vaughan misses her 19-year-old daughter more than she can say but is proud of the work she is doing to serve her country in the military.

Vaughan, 41, was ready to do her part, as well, Friday, as she helped adorn the inside of a Phoenix city bus with posters, stars and various patriotic mementos.

About two dozen Valley residents who have loved ones serving in Iraq turned out to decorate the bus, in preparation for today's Armed Forces Day. The participants are members of the Arizona National Guard's 996th Area Support Medical Company Family Readiness Group, which helps develop and run family-outreach programs.

Their handiwork covered the inside of the bus, which on the outside was draped in a red, white and blue wrapping. This fourth annual "Flag Bus" makes its debut today on city streets and will travel various Metro bus routes until July 6.

The decorating party was held in a parking lot at the National Guard location near 56th Street and McDowell Road. Vaughan showed up for her daughter, Spc. Shaunna Vaughan, who is a mental-health specialist. "When she left, she took my heart," her mother said. "But she's where she needs to be."

Debbie Voorhis, 43, co-chair of the readiness group, came to work on the bus with her son, Jarred, 9. She was there to honor her husband, Sgt. Rick Voorhis, who left three months ago for Iraq. "I'm keeping busy but I never thought I'd get through this," she said.

A route schedule for the Flag Bus is available at www.phoenix.gov/publictransit.

Janice Guckenburg of Phoenix decorates a city bus with a patriotic car card at the Arizona National Guard Facilities on Friday.