Doug Hastings has helped make dreams come true for more than 1,600 veterans.
As the director of the Vets to Washington Project, Hastings has commissioned trips to the nation's capitol to see the monuments and museums of wars and conflicts.
On Saturday, the Vets to Washington Project held a reunion celebrating 10 years of trips to Washington, D.C., and the World War II museum in New Orleans. More than 1,600 veterans and their wives have gone on the 52 trips.
"It's an awesome feeling to know that I've been privileged to meet that many of the great Americans who have served their country from all branches of service and some of the wives," Hastings said.
"It's touched my heart. This whole community, the CSRA, has a lot of heroes in it. That less than 1 percent who chose to put on a uniform and serve."
Hastings estimated that 150 people attended the reunion, which included entertainment from the Pin Up-Dolls and remarks from Rex Bell and the Rev. Steven Patterson.
The Vets to Washington Project takes two trips a year, one in April and one in September, that last for three days.
The trips are entirely free for veterans and their spouses.
Melvin Williamson, a former Marine and Army soldier, went on the trip in April.
"It was fantastic," he said. "With my age, 82, I wouldn't be able to go without a program like this. Everything ran like clockwork and it was a great trip. The most memorable part, for me, was going to the Korean Memorial and then the Marine Memorial. Those really got to me."
Paul Harless, a World War II veteran, went on the first trip the Vets to Washington Project took. He's since been on more trips, going to the World War II museum in New Orleans and many shorter trips across the state.
"That first trip had some problems, but we've gotten better with experience," he said. "We've been to Savannah, New Orleans and a lot of bases. It's a great organization and we always have a good time."
In September, the Vets to Washington Project will take a special trip of only Vietnam veterans for the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.