Washington Co., WI – Nine veterans from Washington County, WI, will take part in the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight’s 87th mission, on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
This “Flight of Champions” will honor approximately 155 of Wisconsin’s Korean War, Vietnam and Vietnam Era veterans with a one day, all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built to recognize their service and sacrifice, and to experience a full day of honor and thanks for their efforts.
Early in the morning of June 20, a plane of veterans, guardians and Green Bay Packers alumni will depart from Green Bay’s Austin-Straubel International Airport. Simultaneously, two planeloads of veterans, guardians and representatives from the Milwaukee Brewers and Milwaukee Bucks will depart from Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport.
After the three planes arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport on flight day, the veterans, their guardians and team representatives will spend the day touring Washington. The tour will include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Marine Corps/Iwo Jima Memorial, the Korean War Memorial and the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery.
“The Brewers, together with the Packers and Bucks, remain deeply committed to supporting the veterans who have given so much to our state and country,” said Brewers President – Business Operations Rick Schlesinger. “Being part of the Flight of Champions is a powerful way to show that appreciation, and our ongoing partnership with Stars and Stripes Honor Flight continues to create unforgettable moments for these deserving individuals.”
“We are inspired by the courage and selflessness of our Wisconsin families, friends and neighbors who have given so much of themselves to keep us safe,” said Josh Glessing, President of the Bucks and Fiserv Forum. “Their sacrifices do not go unnoticed, and we carry immense gratitude for their dedication. It is truly an honor for the Bucks to join forces with the Packers and Brewers to create a meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime experience that reflects our heartfelt appreciation for those who have served our country so bravely.”
“Many of our oldest veterans returned home to little gratitude or fanfare,” said Steve Vasatko, president of Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. “Some of our Vietnam and Vietnam Era veterans came home to disinterest, or even a hostile reception. It will be an honor to finally welcome them home properly and hopefully replace some of those difficult memories with positive ones.”
Members of the public are encouraged to mark the evening of Saturday, June 20 on their calendars and head to Green Bay’s Austin Straubel International Airport (6 p.m. arrival) or Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport (7 p.m. arrival) to welcome the veterans upon their return home. The Brewers and Bucks will be sending some special guests to the Mitchell Airport homecoming celebration to add to the spirit and family-friendly atmosphere of the festivities, and there will be bands, cheerleaders and a huge celebration at both airports.
“We hope our communities will join us to give these veterans the welcome home that is decades overdue,” said Vasatko. “An Honor Flight is a great way to say thanks to these men and women who gave so much to our country. Honor Flight homecoming festivities are always outstanding, and are as memorable for the public as they are for the veterans.”
This will be the final spring Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. Fall Stars and Stripes Honor Flights are scheduled for Saturday, September 12, Saturday October 10, and Saturday November 7 and will all use Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport. As an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff and no offices, the organization is proud to share that more than $.96 of every donated dollar goes directly to flying and honoring veterans.
Honor Flight is a national program with more than 130 hubs from coast to coast. Nationally, hubs in the Honor Flight network have honored over 275,000 veterans with free trips to see their memorials.
