A mission to fly World War II veterans from western South Dakota to Washington, D.C., started rolling down the runway Thursday when four major contributions were announced.

Honor Flight South Dakota is part of a national effort to give World War II veterans a free chance to visit the new World War II National Memorial. The first South Dakota flight left Sioux Falls on May 1.

The first Rapid City-based flight, carrying between 110 and 115 veterans, will leave Friday, Aug. 28, and return Saturday, Aug. 29.

Donors stepping forward with gifts Thursday were: Black Hills Power, $15,000; Stan Adelstein, $10,000; and the combined efforts of First Western Bank, First Interstate Bank and Greater Wall Foundation contributing $20,000 for the flight.

"Although we're announcing the departure date for the second Honor Flight, the work is just beginning," said Larry Rohrer, chairman of the board of Honor Flight South Dakota.

South Dakota's Lt. Governor Dennis Daugaard is a member of Honor Flight's board. Given the economy, Daugaard said it is a testament to South Dakota that people are willing to contribute to Honor Flight.

"The fact that people would step forward and make sacrifices to support our World War II veterans shows a couple things - one, they're very generous and sacrificial, and two, they know that time is of the essence," Daugaard said. "I know there are a number of vets who signed up here in South Dakota who now cannot go, either they've died or their physical condition is such they can't go after all. We're really grateful for the gifts that we've gotten."

Rohrer said it costs about $120,000 to take the veterans to Washington on the overnight trip that includes visits to Arlington National Cemetery and several military memorials.

The 40-50 guardians who will accompany the veterans will pay for their own trips, Rohrer said. It's the guardians' tasks to assist veterans with their personal needs on the trip.

Rohrer assisted a veteran during the May trip and said the veterans he met were very humble and didn't think they had done anything special during the war.

"They were very appreciative that someone would organize something like this," Roher said. "When they had a chance to see the WWII Memorial it meant something special, in that this was specifically dedicated to them."

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Jerry Teachout, 85, of Piedmont hopes he'll be included in the August flight. The opportunity to take the trip is not about him, but about all the people who can't physically or financially go on their own. Most would have never dreamed such a trip was possible, Teachout said. "This is one of the best ideas anyone has ever had."

Contact Andrea Cook at andrea.cook@rapidcityjournal.com or 394-8423.

How to help Honor Flight

To donate: Call 1-888-344-1945

Volunteer: Sponsor fundraising events or assist with pre- or post-flight events in Rapid City.

Details: www.honorflightsd.org