FRESNO (KMJ) — More than 60 local Korean War and Second World War veterans left the Central Valley Monday morning to see the memorials dedicated to their service – on the 11th Central Valley Honor Flight.
“Of course they’re going to see the World War Two Memorial”, says Vice President of the Central Valley Honor Flight Paul Loeffler. “They’ll see the Korean War Memorial, the Marine Corp Memorial, the Navy Memorial, they’ll watch the changing of the guard at tomb of the unknown soldier at Arlington National Cemetery”
The funds to pay for the flight came from donations from right across the Central Valley.
“All from people who say ‘these veterans paid the price for our freedom, so we can pay the price for them to go to DC. It’s about $175,000 every time we take one of these flights but the valley has been so generous to make it happen time and time again.
“This is our 11th flight in less than three years”.
Among the group there were 24 hometowns represented, with former members of the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force (and even some from the Army Air Corps).
“I’m very grateful that there are people who have a heart”, says David Kroll. He had a 20 year career in the Air Force, and even won the Silver Star for a mission in which he risked his life to free a pilot captured by the enemy.
“Any place there was a pilot shot down, we got down to pick him up”.
He wants to make the trip specifically to see the Air Force Memorial.
While in Washington DC the veterans will also be seeing the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the The Women’s Military Museum.
They’ll be returning on Wednesday for a welcome home procession. Organizers encourage as many people as possible to turn up to see their return.
Hear the story from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
