SWANTON TOWNSHIP, OH (Toledo News Now) - Dozens of local World War II veterans are heading to Washington D.C. to observe a memorial built just for them.
Many of these veterans have never set foot in the nation's capital.
"I've always wanted to go there. Everybody you talk to has been there, but I never have, so it's great to have it happen," said Armour Kieffer, a World War II veteran.
Kieffer spent four years in the U.S. Navy and was part of a ship repair unit.
"They'd take us out and meet ships coming in. We'd jump over on the other ship and take our stuff and work on 'em," explained Kieffer.
Clinton Longenecker was a member of the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion. He is one of four still living out of 750. His best friend, whom he met during combat, died two months ago.
"We were in the same outfit, same squad the whole war. No matter where they shipped us, we ended up being together," recalled Longenecker.
On Wednesday, Longenecker is joining other World War II veterans in boarding a plane to D.C. to pay respect to soldiers who never came home and to reminisce.
Honor Flight Northwest Ohio started in 2008 and has taken nearly 900 vets to D.C. This season, there will be at least four more honor flights, plus chances for veterans to receive the honor they so greatly deserve.
Kieffer said he never had an official welcome home ceremony.
"No, I just came home. This will be the first," said Kieffer.
The next Honor Flight is scheduled for May 23.
If you have a family member, friend or neighbor you would like to go on one of these trips visit Honor Flight Northwest Ohio for more information.
