The employees of National EMS stepped up in a big way - to the tune of $10,000 - out of their own pockets in support of World War II veterans.

When Honor Flight Conyers was first set up about two years ago, National EMS employees volunteered to do payroll deductions, said co-founder Anita Smith. Eventually, enough was collected to fund all the veterans on Honor Flight Conyers' fourth trip on Sept. 25 to Washington D.C.

"It shows the quality of the employees. They're so dedicated to so many community activities," said Anita Smith.

"It's their respect and honor for World War II veterans," added Dave Smith.

Honor Flight Conyers provides day-trips to WWII veterans throughout Georgia free of charge to visit monuments and memorials such as the WWII Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Guardians who accompany each veteran must pay their own way. Trips depart from the American Legion Post 77 hall and then Hartsfield-International Airport.

For more information, go to www.honorflightconyers.com or call 770-483-4049.

(Pictured) Members of the upcoming Honor Flight Conyers trip gathered on Sept. 1, at the American Legion Post 77.