Saturday I didn't get my long run in. While my friends were waking to their alarm clocks and the promise of a beautiful morning for our planned 13-miler, I was headed to Washington DC, to do something far more important. I was taking part in my hometown "Honor Flight," where we take WWII veterans that have never had the opportunity up to see their memorial. It was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life and something I will never forget. Out of literally thousands of volunteers, I was fortunate enough to be chosen, one of thirty from Huntsville, to escort a veteran for the day; September 11, 2010. My alarm clock went off at 2:30AM. I had to be at the airport to greet my veteran by 4AM. I had very little sleep, but actually woke up early from the anticipation and the excitement. Lots of things were happening at the airport; a band, supporters, a live vocalists singing patriotic songs, flags everywhere, one veteran having a seizure (sad, but true... he didn't get to make the trip), etc. At 5:30AM I even got a nice and very deliberate pinch on my bottom by one older gentleman. To say I was caught off guard would be an understatement! The day was fantastic. We started off flying from Huntsville to Washington. One of the men I sat by on the plane had never even flown! They were all so excited. Every time we had a successful take-off and landing, the plane would erupt into cheers and applause. It was fun to see them so excited about the day. We made many stops throughout the day; the most important being a visit
to the WWII Memorial. We also visited Arlington National Cemetery, the
Korean War Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and Iwo Jima. This was my
first time to see Iwo Jima, and I have to say that I was quite
impressed! I was so impressed with everything. No detail was
left out. At every stop we made, they had people from all branches of
service there to salute the veterans and than them for their service.
They had a band at both airports playing music from the era. In
Washington DC they even had dancers from the era. It was just so fun!
At the airport in Huntsville before we left.  Mr. Hester and I with Lincoln in the background.
Changing of the guard and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington. 
Korean War Memorial. 
Iwo Jima.
Mr. Hester and I at the WWII Memorial.  Dancers at the airport. (Please notice the guys hair... only reason I took a pic!) 
Being welcomed home. I spotted my mom, but Mr. Hester had no idea she was taking out picture. He was just shaking hands and enjoying the moment.
The day ended with us arriving back home to Huntsville with a welcoming crowd of literally thousands. It brought tears to my eyes to walk through the throng of cheering people; people that didn't know me or my veteran or anyone there for that matter. They were just there to support such a wonderful cause. You've never seen so many American flags waving or patriotic colors being worn. I am proud to come from a town that supports our military and our veterans so much. To end the night on a good note, my veteran gave me a kiss... ON THE LIPS! HA! I wasn't expecting that one either. We had a good time together, and you know what, it made my day! He was a sweetie and I enjoyed getting to know him.
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