Honor Flight Kern County collecting donations to take veterans to nation's capital

HonorFlightKernCounty is out on the streets today collecting money to send more Kern County World War II and Korean War veterans to the nation’s capital.

Honor Flight is the non-profit that sends the vets to Washington, D.C. for free.

Many veterans, like Bill Richard, who returned from the capital on Saturday, said the value of the trip is priceless.

"It's awe-inspiring. It's tremendous to see these memorials," Richard said.

It costs $1,500 to send one veteran to Washington, D.C. That's why HonorFlightKernCounty is holding this second annual all-day media fundraiser. 

Last year they raised $52,000 and this year they're hoping to raise enough money to send 80 veterans, which is the equivalent to about $120,000.

The organization wants to send more veterans to D.C. before its too late.

"We're losing 1,000 World War II veterans a day, so time is of the essence," said Lili Marsh of HonorFlightKernCounty.

Richard hopes more veterans are able to visit the capital. He said he's grateful to the community for supporting his trip.

"It's really tremendous of the people to get together and support us in this flight," Richard said.

Honor flight representatives are at two different locations around town Thursday: northwest promenade on Rosedale Highway in between Chuys and Roadhouse Grill, and in downtown Bakersfield at the veterans memorial.

They will be collecting donations from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., Aug. 28. Honor Flight said that no amount is too small.