WAUSAU - More of our nation's heroes are heading from Wausau to Washington thanks to thousands of dollars for the cause.

"I have not seen the memorial in Washington, DC," says Marine Corps Veteran Elmer Romang of Wausau.

But Romang and nine other veterans will get just that chance next year.

It's thanks to a donation from AT&T to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight of Central Wisconsin.

"Once we looked into it, it's just one of those groups you can't say no to," says Kent Disch of AT&T.

The money will fund a trip to Washington for veterans to see the memorials that stand in their honor.

Gene Utecht, an Air Force vet from Weston, has had friends make the flight.

"They told me all about it and brought back a lot of memories, and also the feelings that they had being overseas," Utecht says.

When he first heard about the program, created three years ago, Romang didn't assume he was in line for a chance, even though he thought it was a great idea.

"Well, gee whiz, that's kind of nice, you know, but never thought about getting on it, because there's always a bunch of guys ahead of you from the Second War and all of that," says Romang.

But now, Romang and Utecht are among ten that will head to the Nation's Capital thanks to AT&T.

"Helping these folks that went above and beyond the call of duty in serving the country and doing good things for the community, helping them - it's a good thing," Disch says.

"I think that it would be a good idea to see all of the monuments that are in Washington. I've never seen them," says Utecht.

"I have been told that I am 122 on the second flight. I'm looking forward to next spring," says Romang.

Story By: Ben Meyer