AUSTIN, Texas — Local veterans are taking part in the first African-American honor flight. Fifty-one war veterans got a hero’s sendoff Friday morning at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. 

  • The country's first all African-American honor flight left Austin Friday
  • Participants will visit several memorials in Washington D.C. 
  • Event was partially inspired by legendary veteran and Austin resident Richard Overton

Among the honorees was Vietnam War veteran Al Campbell, who said getting ready that day was like being back in the U.S. Army.

“It was like I was back on active duty, going to another assignment. Because of the kind of units I served, we were always going someplace,” Campbell said.

Hundreds lined up ABIA’s gates, as the veterans made their way to the plane. They will be going to Washington D.C. to visit and experience the memorials built in their honor. The trip also includes a visit to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which is a first for many since the museum opened in 2016.  

“It shows me that somebody cared and they’re giving acknowledgement to the African American. It was a struggle for me to become a sergeant major,” Campbell said.

Campbell joins 50 others who answered the nation’s call to action, despite those barriers, including one World War II veteran. Tuskegee airman Teddy Johnson now resides in San Antonio. 

“[I’m] reminiscing the old days, and I’m happy to be riding around, and I’m glad to be able to do so,” Johnson, 94, said.

Adrain Smith, a fire specialist for the Austin Fire Department, was one of the guardians and helped Campbell. Smith is a veteran himself after serving 21 years in the Air Force.

“I came in the military many, many years later, but he actually paved the way for me so it’s an honor for me to escort him today as a guardian,” Smith said. “It’s a humbling experience, it’s something that I will carry on for the rest of my life.” 

"I do believe one person can make a difference and that’s what I worked hard to do," Campbell said. 

RELATED: Austin Firefighters to Help Veterans During First African-American Honor Flight 

Richard Overton, the country’s oldest living veteran, could not attend the honor flight, but the 112-year-old, in part, inspired the event.