Wythe County remembers veterans during Honor Flight

WYTHEVILLE (WSLS10) - More than a dozen veterans from East Tennessee make a pit stop in Wytheville Friday on their way to Washington D.C.

The honor flight includes World War II as well as Korean and Vietnam War veterans.

They are heading to the nation's capital to look at monuments built in their honor.

Twice a year, the group passes through the Wythe County, but this time, Sheriff Keith Dunagan wanted to honor them personally for their service.

"This is the first time the guys have gotten to meet the guys we're escorting through, so it's special for us and they're a special group of people,"  Sheriff Dunagan said.

One by one, the veterans excited the charter bus as law enforcement officers and other community members greeted them outside the Sheriff's Office.

"I am overwhelmed, I couldn't believe all these folks," said Vietnam veteran, Frank Staniber. "They still love us a little bit."

The honor flight is free for all 17 of the veterans.

They are expected to be back in Tennessee Sunday night.