10-year-old funds veterans' trip

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Several dozen veterans from the Tampa Bay area took off Tuesday morning for an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. The cost of the flight was underwritten not by a businessman, but by a 10-year-old named Alan Landers.

"I have raised $40,000 in four years," Alan said.

That's enough to send 100 veterans, with a companion, on an Honor Flight.

He's raised the money through an event he named the Super Hero Fun Run, held in October at Lake Freedom Park in Pinellas Park. Some people ran in full super hero attire. Others just wear super hero t-shirts.

Alan says, several years ago, he decided who the real heroes are -- veterans.

"They're the real heroes, not Superman or Batman or Flash. They're all imaginary. Veterans are the real heroes of the real world," he said.

Alan's mom, Linda went on the flight as a veterans' companion. She says Alan is the real deal.

"There's no pushing," she said. "He's pulling me to do things. He's like, 'Veterans come first.'"

What comes next for the pint-sized patriot?

"Maybe super hero miniature golf," he smiled.

Who knows, it may be just enough to send some more vets to Washington.