Fundraiser aims to send WWII vets to D.C.

NEW CARLISLE, Ohio (WDTN) - George Wratten is a World War II veteran.

He served from 1942 to 1947, most of that time was spent in the South Pacific.

The 90-year-old was able to visit the National Memorial in Washington D.C. through the Honor Flight program a couple years ago.

"Everybody in the waiting room, they stood up clapped, when we got off the plane.It was really a heartwarming reception, it really was," explains Wratten.

He was at tonight's fundraiser at the VFW in New Carlisle to raise money for the charity so other veterans get the same chance.

"If anybody wants to go on a flight, it would sure be nice.  I mean, it's so awesome, it's really, nothing like it," says Wratten.

Organizers are hoping to raise two thousand dollars tonight.

"This is just my way of giving back to the community as well as the veterans," comments fundraiser organizer Debbie Cummins.

Honor Flight was founded in Springfield in 2005.

Since then, it's taken off and is now in several cities across the nation.

"When we first started and said this is what we wanted to do, people would say, 'You want to do what?  You want to take my 80-year-old father and do what?' but the veterans themselves were all so anxious to go too. So, that part has just been so rewarding and fulfilling," explains Margaret Morse.

And Wratten says it would be an honor to take the trip again.

"I really don't know if I'd be able to go again but I'd sure go in a flat hurry," comments Wratten.
    
For more information on how you can donate to Honor Flight, go here .