Right now, more than 100 mid-Missouri World War II veterans are waiting for an Honor Flight. Some on that list have already passed away. Wednesday's trip was the first of several planned fall flights.

Even in the middle of the night these World War II veterans were excited for Honor Flight's largest group ever.

"I didn't go to sleep. I might have slept an hour...We had a room at the hotel," said veteran Norbert Grawe.

The Honor Flight door-to-door takes about 20 hours, and in a flash will be gone.

Many 80 and 90 year olds aren't used to their own paparazzi.

One Columbia firefighter was counting wheelchairs in his sleep.

"We went to five or six different places that donated wheelchairs for us. We got 39 wheelchairs total," said Honor Flight volunteer Steve Forrest.

Plus a dozen canes, a handful of walkers and 110 boarding passes.

"They're surprised we're taking that many. They should be here this morning to truly appreciate what that involves," said Honor Flight Vice President Steve Paulsell.

With each step, another step closer to the World War II memorial.

Guardians learned how to support the veterans by holding onto their belts.

As Count Basie's "April in Paris" boomed in the bus, the vets got ready for their September in Washington D.C.

Right now the organization says it needs volunteers. It needs the community to adopt or sponsor World War II veterans. And most importantly, encourage these 80 and 90 year olds not to wait to apply, even if they're in excellent health.

Of the roughly 200 veterans who have flown on a Central Missouri Honor Flight this year, at least three have already passed away including George Breting of Columbia who passed away just a few days ago. Services for Breting are Friday at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Columbia.

Thanks to Honor Flight, Mr. Breting got to see his memorial on Wednesday, he passed away on Saturday. He was 90 years old.

The Honor Ball is Oct. 17. For tickets call (573) 289-3799.

To apply for an Honor Flight go to www.centralmissourihonorflight.com