FRESNO (KMJ) — Veterans from across the Central Valley are now on a three-day visit to the East Coast, taking part in what organizers call a “trip of a lifetime” to see the memorials dedicated to their actions.
The 68 former service members, whose ages range from 80 to 97, were assembled inside Fresno Yosemite International early Monday morning. 18 of them served in the Second World War, with the remaining seeing conflict in the Korean War.
“This community has donated now more than $2.5 million to make all these flights possible,” announced board member Paul Loeffler. “Every time we do one of these flights we end up with more people who want to be a part of the team.”
After touching down at Baltimore Washington International Airport, the veterans will be taken to see the U.S. Marine Memorial, the National World War II Memorial, the Navy Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Korean War Veterans Memorial. They will also visit the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
“I’d like to see the cemeteries, and be there when the guards are changed,” revealed retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Charles Hudson. “That’s at Arlington.”
The 84 year old from Reedley arrived at the airport wearing his original uniform.
“I still fit in my uniform that I’ve had since dirt was first put on the earth. I still wear my dress blues whenever I need to.”
When asked why he brought it with him, he replied “why not?”
The veterans are scheduled to return to Fresno Yosemite International at 6pm Wednesday, to be greeted with a “Welcome Home” procession.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
