MILWAUKEE -- There was a big turnout for a first-time run benefiting local war heroes Sunday morning.
"I'm overwhelmed, my heart is full," explained Joni Nogay, We Run-They Fly 5K organizer.
Jodi Nogay and her father flew on the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight together last September.
"It's an event that most veterans say ranks right up there with their wedding day."
Nogay organized the fundraiser so more veterans can take the day trip to Washington D.C.
"They see their memorials, their monuments, we do special things for them on the way home. It's just a day to say thank you and to honor them like they should be honored every day," explained Nogay.
Runners and walkers showed up for different reasons.
"A lot of them have a tie. Some of them did the honor flight, some of them are on the waiting list to go on an honor flight. Some of them, their parents served and have now passed on, so they're doing this to honor them," said Nogay.
Glenn Dohrmann is a Korean War and Word War II Veteran. He had been to D.C. a handful of times on his own, but said taking the honor flight there was different.
"People with the same ideas. People who have gone through somewhat the same thing," said Dohrmann.
Dohrmann was overwhelmed to see hundreds of people lacing up their tennis shoes to help fellow veterans share in a once in a lifetime experience.
You can learn more about Stars and Stripes Honor Flight here.
