McConnell welcomes home heroes of early wars

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Thornbury
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Two World War II, 26 Korean War and two Vietnam War veterans flew out of the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport to participate in a once in a life time experience, June 17-19.

The event, known as the 27th Kansas Honor Flight, gives veterans the opportunity to leave Kansas to visit war memorials created in their honor in Washington D.C. The Honor Flight is a nonprofit organization that funds trips for veterans who would not have the ability to make the trip by other means, with contributions from the public.

"Vets are sent to Washington D.C. to see their respective memorials, with priority to WWII, then Korean War and Vietnam War vets," said Cpt. Scott Sena, 349th Air Refueling Squadron command support squadron executive officer. "Walking up and down the National Mall, the vets will be able to see all the memorials; such as the Air Force Memorial, Vietnam Memorial Wall and WWII Memorial." 

People from the local community went to the airport to support the veterans beginning their travels and to help send them on their way.

"I asked some other Airmen to come with me to the last flight," said Sena. "I told them, 'this is the stuff that you will be able to tell your grandchildren about, that we sent veterans of WWII, Korean and Vietnam War to Washington D.C. to see their memorial.'"

Once the flight lands in Washington D.C., veterans attend a banquet and the following day they tour the National Mall.

"I have been on 26 flights and know every step of the national mall," said Mike VanCampen, KHF president. "It is an emotional but great time as these guys and gals realize that America has not forgotten what they have done for this country more than 70 years ago."

As the veterans return and make their way down the ramp at the airport, a bagpiper plays music, school children sing the national anthem, civilians cheer while holding signs and service members from all branches salute as they approach, said Sena.

"It is an emotional event, it is like the stuff you see in the movies but this is the real deal," Sena said.

For some of the veterans this is the first time they received a warm welcome home, many Vietnam veterans were met with hatred and spite when they returned from the conflict.

"They are elated that people care enough to send them on a once in a life time trip," said Sena. "They all come back with smiles on their faces. I think they feel as if they are being treated as rock stars, which is the way they should have been when they came home the first time."

For more information visit: http://honorflight.org or http://kansashonorflight.org.