The Greatest Generation is leaving us, but before it goes a group is trying to honor its warriors.

Honor Flight is a program that flies World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., to see their memorial and others at no cost.

"The veteran's money is no good," Henderson County organizer John Rhinehart said. "By charter, Honor Flight cannot accept a donation from a World War II veteran. The flight is of no cost to him, his meals are paid, his luggage handling is done for him, check-in is done, his hotel is covered."

Rhinehart and Harold Servetnick have been working since July to organize an Honor Flight in Henderson County. As they start to build here, they are partnering with Ellis County Honor Flight.

Servetnick is a World War II veteran, having served in Europe from 1942 to 1944. He initiated the move to bring Honor Flight here.

"I saw it searching on the Internet," he said. "I looked for more information and thought it was something interesting for me and other veterans. "

A trip to the nation's capital would not be Servetnick's first.

"I'd like to see the changes (there), but this is more to give other veterans an opportunity," he said.

The Honor Flight Network stretches across the country, and according to its Web site, by the end of 2009 it will have flown more than 42,165 veterans to Washington, D.C.

In Henderson County, the number of surviving World War II veterans is surprising, according to Rhinehart. He said the Department of Veteran Affairs cites the number at more than 900.

"Our initial goal is to notify them about Honor Flight," Rhinehart said.

The first flight, partnered with Ellis County, was originally scheduled for Oct. 20 but has been pushed back because of funding.

World War II veteran Bob Anderson lives in Star Harbor.

He said he thinks the program is a great idea.

"It's a great thing," he said. "Everybody I talk to is very enthused."

Anderson was a gunner with the 380th Bombardment Group, The Flying Circus, flew B-24 Liberator bombers and was part of the 5th Air Force.

He served in the South Pacific, flying more than 35 missions in 1944 and 1945.

He was drafted in high school and received his diploma when he returned from war.

"I've always been proud to be a veteran," Anderson said. "I was always proud to do what was expected of me."

It is that kind of service that inspired HFN.

"It is just a way to thank them for their sacrifices and service," Rhinehart said.

After the World War II veterans, Honor Flight intends to move on to Korean and Vietnam veterans.

"We'd like to find as many veterans as we can, and we trust that there will be support," Servetnick said.

For more on Honor Flight, call Rhinehart at 903-677-8863 or Servetnick at 903-292-1380.