Central Missouri Honor Flight is collecting photos of deceased loved ones for the trip to the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C. These photos are of veterans who passed away before they got the chance to see their memorial.

The first Honor Flight veterans gathered in Columbia recently to get their instructions at VFW post 280.

More than 30 World War II veterans were in the room. Some fought the same battles, but until Honor Flight the former soldiers had never met.

"I don't feel like no hero, but it makes you feel good that somebody else is thinking you did something worthwhile here you are," said Honor Flight veteran Robert Morse.

More than 60 years after the war, none of the heroes have seen their memorial.

"Because I don't think I'd be able to do it on my own. Costs money and we all know money is tight," said Honor Flight veteran Ralph Leiby.

Central Missouri Honor Flight is an organization that flies aging and terminally ill veterans at no cost to them to see their war memorials.

Honor Flight is gathering pictures to take with them to Washington, D.C. for those who are too ill to make the flight or veterans who have passed.

Some of the veterans making the trip have already experienced strokes, heart problems and artificial limbs. They use oxygen, wheelchairs and walkers.

Even with a volunteer doctor and nurses on board, getting two flights of 80 and 90 year olds to Washington, D.C. takes careful planning.

Organizers for Central Missouri Honor Flight just hope they're not too late.

"I was told this evening by a gentleman checking in that he had a friend that was a World War II veteran, 85 years old, who died last night. Every day we're losing them. We've got to get them there quickly," said Barb Brueggeman, Honor Flight president.

"I am very excited. My dad has very few days of real enjoyment and I think this will be a fantastic experience for him," said Ruth Rice.

"I really don't know until I get there. It's hard to explain cause you never know when and how. I never thought I'd be this old. I'm old. But I appreciate everything you're doing," said Leiby.

Right now, there are more than 60 mid-Missouri veterans on a waiting list. They're waiting for the $12,000 it will take for another Honor Flight.

If you'd like to help, send your donations to KOMU in care of Central Missouri Honor Flight. There are also veteran and guardian applications. You can find those links to the left of this story.

Honor Flight is collecting individual purse packets of Kleenex, disposable cameras, and snacks for the veterans.