WWII veteran surprised with spot on Honor Flight

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A World War II veteran received a very special surprise on Monday. What began as a regular day at the gym turned into a party.

Garrett Rickman served in the Army Air Corps as a B-17 gunner and will be aboard the next Central Valley Honor Flight in September. Gym members surprised Rickman with the news on Monday, and he says he's excited for the trip.

"I like to fly first of all, and then maybe I can meet some buddies; I'm looking for them," said Rickman.

You may remember Rickman from a story Action News did back in April when the World War II bomber Memphis Belle was in Fresno for its flying museum tour. He got a sneak peek of the Belle before it opened to the public and even got to go along for a ride.