Middle TN veterans taking Honor Flight to nation's capital

Twenty-five veterans from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War will be flying to Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

The Honor Flight of Middle Tennessee has flown more than 500 veterans to our nation's capital since it started in 2008.

Bob Steele, who served as a Marine in the Vietnam War, is part of the group flying to D.C.

"It's very emotional for me right now ... just to see the memorials and see all the veterans who gave their lives, it's devastating really," Steele said. "I lost a lot of friends in Vietnam, and like I said, it's going to bring back a lot of memories, so I'm not looking forward to that part."

News 4 first met Steele in 2013 when he had just received his golden retriever, Dillon, to help with his PTSD.

On Wednesday, Steele and his service dog will be on the plane together, marking the first time a service dog has gone on an Honor Flight from Middle Tennessee. Steele said they both feel very honored that they were chosen to go.

While in D.C., the veterans will visit several war memorials and watch the changing of the guards at Arlington National Cemetery before heading to Maryland for dinner.

All of this is packed into one day. The group is scheduled to arrive back in Nashville around 9:30 p.m.

The best part about this is that the trip is free. It's part of a national effort to honor the people who have sacrificed so much for our country.