Honor Flight 7 took off for Washington today

The Seventh Central Valley Honor Flight took off Tuesday morning carrying some of our nations heroes. Excitement filled the halls of Fresno Yosemite International Airport. A packed baggage claim was the first stop for the 65 veterans and their guardians. In the halls they shared stories of a time when some of these veterans had some horrific experiences, all in the name of freedom.

"I was caught by the Chinese and then from there we marched north in stages not all at once until we reached a camp", said Korean War veteran and former prisoner of war Samuel E. Banuelos.

Banuelos only served on the front line for two months before being captured. He says there were days he didn’t know if he was going to make it.

Another special group on this flight is the five female veterans that make up the group. Ninety one year old Dorthea Eldrege is a world war two veteran.

"Well I was in the Navy. I was just like a book keeper or secretary and I enjoyed it very much", said Eldrege.

A common thread among the veterans we spoke to is a feeling of nostalgia and pride. The veterans will be in Washington D.C. for three days, and will return to Fresno on Thursday night at sic in the evening. The community is invited to come to the airport and help welcome them back home.