RUSSELLVILLE, Mo. - Herbert Raithel and his wife, Loretta, saw the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C., in 2005 from their tour bus seats at night because of a heavy downpour.
When his brother-in-law returned in June from visiting the memorial and other patriotic sites in the nation's capital with the Central Missouri Honor Flight, Raithel decided he was going to go.
The organization began in 2009 to send World War II survivors to see their memorial. After 29 flights and more than 1,650 veterans, they have expanded the program to Korean- and Vietnam-era veterans.
Raithel served with the U.S. Air Force from 1950-1954, first at Strategic Air Command headquarters in Nebraska and later in Puerto Rico with a Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron of B36s.
He received the call that he had a seat on the 29th Honor Flight just a week before he was scheduled for back surgery. Loretta said she was concerned about the timing, but it all worked out.
"It was a long day," Raithel said.
They met at midnight Sept. 3 for breakfast and to catch their bus. And they returned at about 11:30 p.m. that same day to a motorcycle highway escort and introductions by bagpipe.
"This is a really nice thing they do for veterans," Loretta said.
Between the couple, who have been married 60 years, their family has seen servicemembers in varying branches and almost every modern conflict.
In addition to visiting the major veterans memorials - including the World War II Veterans Memorial, the Korean Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery - the Honor Flight gives veterans a chance to meet each other and find common experiences.
"That's what makes it so special," Loretta said.
Each veteran also receives "mail call" during the trip. Raithel read cards and letters from each of his three children, from three of his grandchildren and from other relatives.
Later, he learned another grandson, who currently serves in the Missouri National Guard, attempted to write a letter several times but he would tear up.
Loretta said military service has been good for her family.
"It grew me up a little bit," Raithel said.
The Honor Flight showed a sense of respect for servicemembers, the couple agreed.
"It was a pretty good feeling," he said.
On the Web: www.centralmissourihonorflight.com