WAMEGO (KSNT) – The 16th Wamego Honor Flight has returned home after taking 25 area veterans and 25 Wamego High School students on a three-day trip to Washington, D.C.
The program pairs local veterans with students, giving both groups the opportunity to visit national memorials while building meaningful connections. Over the course of the trip, the group visited the World War II, Vietnam, Korean War and Lincoln Memorials, along with the National Archives and Arlington National Cemetery.
For many veterans, the experience was emotional from the very beginning.
“From the minute we touched down, and we were greeted at BWI with all kinds of people cheering for us, it was very emotional,” said veteran Diana Chapel. “But the trip was absolutely once in a lifetime, wonderful.”
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Students who attended said the hands-on experience gave them a deeper understanding of the sacrifices veterans have made. Wamego High School student Addison Douglass said getting to hear those stories firsthand made a lasting impact.
“I had a wonderful time,” Douglass said. “Getting to learn not only my veterans’ stories but all of the veterans on the flight. It’s just such an honor to be able to serve those that have served us.”
The trip also allows students and veterans to form strong bonds throughout the journey, something organizers said makes the Wamego Honor Flight unique.
The group returned home to a large welcome from the community. Residents lined the streets and filled the Wamego High School gym to welcome the veterans back, showing their appreciation for their service.
Organizers said the program continues to grow each year, thanks to strong community support and a shared commitment to honoring local heroes.
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