Veterans return to Houston on honor flight

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- They served long ago, but generations are here to remember. Julianne Prantle is an American Heritage Girl ready to meet the veterans. "We're here to honor the veterans. Wave flags and thank them for their service," said Prantle. Steve Benavides, a Vietnam Vet said, "I think they were probably the best soldiers this country ever had."

One by one, the veterans made their way through a tunnel or red, white and blue. Families, veterans, active service members and children saluted their service. Most of the veterans served in World War II and just returned from a flight to Washington D.C. to see the memorial dedicated to their service.

Sophie Pappas was waiting to greet her grandfather. She said, "I think he was really excited. We haven't heard him talk much about the war before so I think this was a good chance to get connected again."

This Hobby Airport homecoming comes decades after the one when they returned from war. A lot of time has passed since serving as an Air Force Lt. Colonel, but 97-year-old Jack Doorshaw is still has his pilot's license. "Brought back memories from long ago. We all served one way or another, whatever we were called to do we did," said Doorshaw.

WWII veteran Wil Stelly said, "I was in the Army in Germany, France and Holland. Most of my times as a radio operator, communications."

A couple of days of stories shared from a lifetime ago that, for at least this weekend, may have seemed like yesterday. "I think it reminded all of us how much he helped our country," said Pappas.