Great Bend’s Firefighters hope to honor a World War II veteran with some of the proceeds from this year’s Spaghetti Feed and Raffle, firefighter Brad Descher said.

Each year firefighters raise money for a number of causes, including supporting United Way and the Food Bank, Descher said. They still plan to support those causes, but also hope to sponsor an Honor Flight Trip for Al Schmeidler. The father of Capt. John Schmeidler served in Europe during World War II.

The GBFD annual fundraiser is going on now, with raffle tickets available from any firefighter and at the fire stations, located at 1205 Williams St. and 5851 10th St. The drawing will be held Thursday, Nov. 4, which is the same day as the Spaghetti Feed. However, ticket holders do not have to be present at the drawing to win.

Spaghetti will be served from 5-8 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 723 Main St. Tickets for the meal are $5 per person for spaghetti served with a salad, french bread, dessert and beverage. Children 5 years old and younger eat free, and carry-out meals will be available.

Raffle tickets are $1 each or six for $5, Descher said. More than 60 prizes will be given away, including a Green Mountain Grill, Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, Savage .270 rifle with stainless steel barrel and scope, Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 pistol, Sanyo 32-inch LCD flat screen television, Nintendo Wii, plus gift certificates and many more items and services donated by area businesses.

The Central Prairie Honor Flights program started here in 2005, raising money to send as many World War II vets as possible on trips to Washington, D.C., where they can see the World War II Memorial and other sights at no cost to the veteran. Group flights are arranged as funds become available.