For six decades, three Ohio men have shared much of life: Service in the US military; playing in a US Army Reserve band; and sharing their musical talents as part of a Masonic band known as the Aladdin Shriners. Dan Merrill, KE8KJX, Steve Robeano, WD8JKX, and John Ross, KD8IDJ, also share the fellowship of amateur radio.

Now they are travelers together on a chartered flight to Washington, D.C., a journey designed to honor them and 75 other military veterans. They will all be passengers on Honor Flight Mission 156 departing from Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday the 14th of October. The trip has been arranged at no cost to the veterans by the nonprofit group, Honor Flight Columbus, which is part of the nationwide Honor Flight Network organization.

As with all such Honor Flights, it celebrates veterans for their service to the country by providing a day of appreciation and a chance to visit military monuments.

When Dan, Steve and John ended their active time in the military, they joined the 338th Army Band, part of the US Army Reserves. On this trip, they will again be with these fellow musicians: a number of the other passengers are their fellow bandmates. John, who is a trumpet player, will serve as the flight's official bugler.

Beth Johnson, executive director of Honor Flight Columbus, told Newsline that the day is all about gratitude for their service - something she said was long denied to many returning veterans.

As veterans and as hams, Dan, Steve and John have known it is an honor to serve the community. Now it is their turn to receive appreciation.