The Covington Region Honor Flight Board of Directors has announced the 2014 Honor Flight is scheduled for October, but those wishing to be a part of the annual event need to apply quickly.

“We probably have 15 or 16 applications already in so there are another 40 slots to fill,” said board member Greg White. “And that’s a mixture of veterans and guardians.”

White said the board plans to fly approximately 35 veterans and 20 volunteer guardians intended to aid veterans on the trip from Atlanta to Reagan National Airport in Washington via Southwest Airlines. White said a chartered bus will serve as ground transportation from Andalusia to Atlanta.

White said the flight is open to veterans of World War II, as well as the Korean War and the Vietnam Conflict.

“Our plan is to fly any other World War II Veterans from our area that has not previously flown with us to Washington, D.C.,” White said. “And, we will also fly Korean War-era veterans and Vietnam veterans on this flight, as space permits.”

White said the board typically tries to accommodate older veterans first, which tends to lean the flight roster more toward World War II veterans.

“We are limited with 55 slots, so we encourage folks to get their applications in,” he said. “It would especially help if the more elderly veterans got theirs in.”

White said the community is encouraged to participate in this year’s program by making contributions to help cover the costs of travel for veterans. The estimated cost per veteran is $500.

White said the board is also very thankful for past support that, “has allowed us to transport a couple hundred veterans to Washington to visit their memorials.”

White said volunteer guardian applications are also being accepted, but guardians will be required to pay their own costs ($500.00 per person).

“The experience of traveling as a guardian, providing service to the veterans on the trip, has led many volunteers to sign up for additional trips,” he said.

“While each trip has been unique, they have all been rewarding as our community joined together in this effort, as a way to express our appreciation and honor for the service of our Veterans.”

White said applications may be obtained by calling any member of the honor flight board, including: William Blocker; Wyatt Sasser; Gary Petty; Patti Hughes; Alan Bracewell; or Emilee Gage. White can be reached at 334-222-2907 or via email at gbwcpa@andycable.com.