The Covington Region Honor Flight’s eighth trip to Washington, D.C., is only two weeks away, and committee member Greg White said that the many people attending are very excited.

The travelers had their orientation Monday night.

“We have the orientation to give the group a little bit of information of what to expect from the trip,” White said. “We make sure that they have their form I.D. ready for the plane, make sure they have all of their paperwork done and everything.”

On Fri., Oct. 5, the organization will take veterans and their guardians to Washington, D.C., for the day, where they will visit sites such as the World War II memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the Korean and Vietnam memorials

White said that there are 54 total participants on this year’s tour.

“Almost everyone that we are taking to Washington D.C. is 50 years or older,” White said. “We have one that is a little over 90 and one that is a veteran of World War II.”

Seeing the veterans’ emotions when they see the monuments are what White said makes the trip worth it.

“Most of these veterans have been everywhere fighting for our country,” White said. “But they haven’t even been to our own capital, so seeing their emotion and giving them an opportunity for this to be a first time experience is what really makes it worth it.”

White said that Monday night one particular veteran expressed his emotion already.

“There is one gentleman that will be going on the trip that served in the Vietnam War,” White said. “He is beyond ready to see the monuments. He said, ‘If you don’t like tears, then don’t be next to me when we see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.’ ”

White said that this is a great opportunity for these veterans to feel appreciated and honored.

The group will travel via chartered bus from Andalusia to Atlanta, then fly to Washington. They will leave at 3 a.m. on Oct. 5.

CRHF is one of only two hubs in Alabama that still flies veterans to Washington, D.C. The trip is free for veterans, but guardians are asked to pay $350 for their trip.

“We take care of everything,” White said. “Airfare, buses, meals and snacks for the veterans. If they want to buy a souvenir while they are there that is on them, but we make it to where they don’t have to spend a dime.”

 

 

We do this just because of how special they are. It is a small way that our community can show appreciation for their service.”