Las Vegas NowWounded Troops Get Trip to Las Vegas

Wounded Troops Get Trip to Las Vegas

This Veterans Day, Las Vegas is honoring wounded military men and women who risked their lives in war. Close to 200 are in town for a special four-day, all expenses paid getaway.

Meeting these fine men and women, you can't help but say thank you. To them, visiting the Strip is a first -- a place they are excited to see, something that gives them a break from all the medical care they need, and a chance for them for just a few days to forget what they've been through.

SLIDESHOW: Veterans Day 2009 in Las Vegas

It's a much different landing than they’re used to. The Clark County Fire Department sprayed water onto their plane and crew members down below waved and cheered their arrival.

Eric Goodge is a Marine. The last thing he imagined three months ago in Afghanistan was coming to Las Vegas. “We were looking for an IED and we found it,” he said.

He suffered serious injuries to the right side of his face and his hearing is limited, but his sense of pride is stronger than ever because of generous gifts like this. “You don't realize how much support is out there until something like this happens. You come home and you got care packages stacked up like this and a free trip to Vegas,” he said.

A trip he will be celebrating for two reasons -- one for his efforts overseas and another special occasion. “Today is my 21st birthday. It's pretty sweet. It makes you proud you served when you see this support. It's awesome,” he said.

From the airport to the Venetian to a red carpet welcome, this is Jason Roberts' first trip to Las Vegas. “Your heart sinks. It makes you feel real proud and it means a lot. You feel it inside. People care,” he said.

He too was hurt because of an IED and this trip couldn't have come at a better time. “Being in a hospital bed laying down and not getting outside, it's nice getting out and being here, especially with people who care,” he said.

The USO along with American Airlines, Thanks USA and the Sands Foundation all made this trip happen.