WWII heroes seek help to defray cost of trip

FORT WALTON BEACH - About 20 World War II veterans from Okaloosa County attended orientation Saturday for their upcoming Honor Flight to visit to the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.

When the Honor Flight leaves Oct. 15 from Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport, five residents of the Air Force Enlisted Village will be on it.

"We're grateful that they will be able to participate and thankful to Honor Flight and all the sponsors that make this available to all our veterans," said Jodi Jordan, deputy director of marketing at the AFEV.

But because the veterans, one of whom is 100, will have such a long day, Jordan is seeking donations so that they can stay in a hotel the night before the flight. To donate to defray the costs of the hotel bill, please call Jodi Jordan at 685-3169.

Any donations over the amount needed for veterans' accomodations this trip will be donated to Honor Flight.

The Emerald Coast Honor Flight is now taking applications for the third WWII Memorial Honor Flight. Applications are being taken at www.emeraldcoasthonorflight.com/ or write to Emerald Coast Honor Flight, PO Box 86, Pensacola, FL 32591.