Honor Flight taking dozens of Tri-State veterans on free D.C. trip

HEBRON, Ky. - For many veterans, it's the flight of their life.

Tuesday morning, Honor Flight Tri-State is taking off from the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport headed for Washington, D.C. Dozens of local World War II and Korean War veterans will be on board the flight.

The Honor Flight takes the veterans on a free day trip to our nation's capital, where they'll see national monuments created in their honor.

The program started in 2005 in Springfield, Ohio, to provide an opportunity for veterans who otherwise wouldn't have the means to visit the war memorials in Washington, D.C.

Many of the veterans participating in the day-long trip are in their 80's and 90's. Organizers say the free trip is a gift thanking them for putting their lives on the line for our country. It also gives the local heroes a chance to share their stories with their comrades.

The flights are free for the veterans and cost about $400 for the guardians who travel with them.

Tuesday's Honor Flight leaves from CVG at 8 a.m. and returns around 10:15 p.m.

Honor Flight Tri-State has two more trips planned for 2012 -- one in September and one in October. The groups needs more veterans and guardians to sign up.

For more information on Honor Flight Tri-State or to apply for the program, call the Honor Flight Tri-State hotline at 513-277-9626 or visit the website.