Eighth Honor Flight takes 63 Central Valley veterans to Washington, D.C.

Albert Baptista’s excitement Monday morning was hard to hide

The World War II Army veteran was only a few hours away from landing in Washington, D.C., where he would visit the World War II Memorial for the first time.

“I want to see if I could find some of my buddies’ names,” said the 89-year-old Livingston resident.

The trip came as a surprise to him, Baptista said. His family signed him up for the eighth Central Valley Honor Flight – the second out of Castle Airport in Atwater.

According to the volunteer organizers, since its 2013 inception, the nonprofit Central Valley Honor Flight has taken about 600 veterans to see sights such as the National World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Arlington National Cemetery.

The trips are funded entirely by donations and are free for participants. CVHF raises about $1,500 per veteran to cover transportation, lodging and meals, organizers said.

On Monday, 63 veterans boarded the plane for the three-day trip. The veterans represented 34 different hometowns across the Valley. Veterans were sent off with a performance by the Atwater Marching Band, which also raised $8,000 for the CVHF.

Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, told veterans the trip is a token of appreciation to recognize their service. “We do our part because you always did yours,” he said.

The flight will return Wednesday. A homecoming event is planned for their arrival at 5:30 p.m. Gates at the Castle Airport terminal will be open for the public at 4 p.m.

Organizers advise that those who plan to attend the homecoming check the Central Valley Honor Flight Facebook page for arrival updates.

Peter Jones, 89, of Fresno, served 11 years in the Navy. The last time he was in the nation’s capital was 1975, long before the establishment of the World War II Memorial, he said. He said he was also looking forward to checking out the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.

“And the best part is, my son gets to go with me,” he said.

Meanwhile for Baptista, the trip also meant connecting and sharing stories with other veterans.

“There’s always a special feeling with other vets,” he said, “no matter the branch.”

His daughter, Amanda Baptista, arrived early at Castle Airport to see the send-off.

“He always tells us that if anything were to come up, he would still volunteer (in the service),” she said. “We’re very proud, and just happy that he is well enough to do this.”

This story was originally published October 19, 2015 at 4:48 PM with the headline "Eighth Honor Flight takes 63 Central Valley veterans to Washington, D.C.."