CRETE | On Wednesday, Al Paskewicz and other veterans will take a special flight to Washington, D.C., in honor of the sacrifices they made.

"My father never has really talked too much about his time in the military," said Paskewicz's daughter Joyce Murray. "Lately though he's started to talk about it more and more. I know this much. He's proud of what he did in the service."

Paskewicz was drafted in February 1942 and served in the European Theater during World War II until he became a civilian again three and half years later. The Chicago native later served a stint in the Air National Guard during the Korean War years.

His military career is a source of pride for the former Dolton resident who now lives in the Village Woods Christian Retirement Community in Crete.

One day Murray saw something on the nightly news that peaked her interest.

The story was about Honor Flight Chicago, which began a series of flights to Washington, D.C., this year. Veterans, who are the special guests on these flights, go to the nation's capitol for a tour of D.C. landmarks and return the same day.

"I'm proud of my dad," Murray said. I know that he is proud of what did in the military and I thought that this would be something that he would like to do."

Paskewicz, 89, will be one of 61 veterans and 43 guardians who will take off Wednesday in what will be the fifth Honor Flight Chicago this year. Honor Flight Chicago vice president Mary Pettinato said it is important that veterans like Paskewicz get to take advantage of the opportunity to make this trip.

"We are losing so many of these special people every day," Pettinato said of the World War II veterans. "The trip for them is a reminder that they are appreciated by their fellow Americans and gives them a chance to see the World War II Memorial as well as the other memorials that honor our veterans."

"I just hope I get to meet some of my buddies," Paskewicz said. "I'm really looking forward to making this trip and seeing Washington, D.C."

The flight on Wednesday is sponsored by the McCormick Foundation, and the veterans and their guests travel for free.

Pettinato said the guardians undergo a training session to help them with elderly care. "The idea is to make sure the veterans have an enjoyable day."

Besides World War II veterans, priority space on the flights is given to terminally ill veterans. The flights are subsidized by donations and Pettinato said all donations are accepted.

"Anything, even $1 is gratefully accepted," Pettinato said. "We have a waiting list of veterans wanting to make this flight and we hope to make as many of them as possible get to go for a special day."

Paskewicz will also visit the Korean, Vietnam, and Iwo Jima Memorials as well as the Lincoln Memorial during his day in the Capitol.

The day will end at Midway Airport with a welcome home celebration with family and friends.

"My father is looking forward to this a great deal," Murray said. "He's a great dad. He was a hard worker and has had a good life and I think this trip will be a wonderful experience for him."