HEBRON, Ky. Jim Fritsch wore his World War II uniform for a trip to Washington, D.C., he paid for 70 years ago with bravery and sacrifice.
“I kept my uniform and bars and my navigator’s wings,” the resplendently dressed vet said as he pulled on his uniform hat Tuesday at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
It was almost time to board the fifth and last Honor Flight of the year taking military vets on a one-day tour of war memorials built in their honor.
For some like Marine veteran Jerry Truitt, it would be a homecoming he never got when he returned from the Korean War.
“There was no homecoming for Korean veterans,” Truitt said, choking up at the thought. “I don’t know, it’s just hard for me to talk sometimes.”
For others, just being here is a blessing.
“I think it’s nice we could all get together and go,” 90-year-old Paul Browning said.
Just last month, Browning was beaten and robbed as he left Good Samaritan Hospital. He had been visiting his wife, who had suffered a stroke.
“It’s just taken a long time to get over it,” Browning said. “My face has finally gone down. It was all swollen and messed up.”
Police say the 30-year-old cocaine user who attacked Browning was arrested and faces multiple charges.
RELATED: See photos, story about the attack on Browning
“It means a lot to see all these people and know they’re in the same boat you’ve been in,” Browning said.
He knows opportunities like this Honor Flight may not come again.
“We won’t be able to do to much more of that. We’re getting too old. Legs just ain’t that good.”
The Honor Flight was scheduled to return at 10 p.m. Tuesday.
