"I was talking to a elderly gentleman who said, 'Lots of people deserve to go more than me,'" White said. "I said, 'It's for you, sir.' That's the way it goes with that generation --- 'someone else deserves it more than me.'"

"Some say they have been (there) before, --- 'send someone else in my place' --- but they have never been on an Honor Flight, just been on a vacation," Liming said. "One 'will never fly again' as he flew over 57 missions during his service in World War II."

While about 90 veterans plus guardians have gone on each of the Waterloo flights, White said if they get enough applicants, a larger plane can be reserved so the vets don't have to wait as long. "If we can get 150 applications, I'll get a plane in so we can all go at once," White said.

While some believe they may not be healthy enough to go, the veterans are each accompanied by a personal guardian; wheelchairs are available for the less mobile or those who need a break from walking; provision is made for medications; and there's plenty of food and liquids during the day to make sure the vets stay nourished and hydrated.

While it's a long day, the itinerary includes plenty of "down time " on the planes and tour buses between stops at the various monuments. Plenty of guardians have volunteered to assist veterans on future trips.