86 Veterans prepare for October Honor Flight trip to D.C.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT)- In two months, Honor Flight will take 86 veterans from the tri-state area to the nation’s capital for a trip of a lifetime.

Veterans met with Honor Flight staff at the Catholic Diocese in Evansville to get the final preparations ready for the big trip.

William Schmits is a U.S. Army vet who is gong to be on the upcoming flight.

Schmits says, “I’ve just been excited all week ever since I got the call. They’ve been very gracious, lots of people to help you.”

The Vice President of Southern Indiana Honor Flights, Diana Shaw says today is all about getting to know the veterans’ stories and letting them know that their service is appreciated.

Shaw says, “They’re going to get greetings. They’re going to get hugs. It’s all about letting them know respect, love, and gratitude is what we’re showing them. We want them to walk away knowing that this is going to be a great experience for them.”

The trip is for the veterans, but Marine Corps veteran, Robert Dietrich is excited to share this once in a lifetime experience with his grandson.

Dietrich says, “Oh, I’m looking forward to that. I think he’s been there too with his family, but I’m looking forward to spending the time with him because we don’t get to see each other that much with his working and all. So, it’ll be a fun trip for both of us, tiring but fun.”

The flight leaves Evansville on October 5.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).