"The veterans are so thrilled:" Welcoming home the first Honor Flight of the season



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It's a big homecoming tonight for a group of American heroes. Veterans have spent Saturday, April 18th, in the nation's capitol visiting their memorial for the first Stars and Stripes Honor Flight of the season.

A total of 94 World War II and Korean War veterans set off to D.C. on an all expense paid trip to the capitol to see their respective memorials. It's a way to say 'thank you for your service.'

This latest crop of veterans joins the 3,500 other vets from the Milwaukee area who have made the trek to D.C. to date.

"It never gets old. These veterans tear up the minute they walk off the plane in D.C. because of the welcome that they receive in D.C. We encourage everybody to come out to the airport tonight and welcome them back home. There's always tears flowing -- the veterans are so thrilled to be appreciated this way," said Karyn Roelke, with Stars and Stripes Honor Flight.

FOX6 News found one such Korean War veteran as he excitedly arrived for the big day.

"For most young folks that's so old it's like the Civil War," said Earl Kneevers, Korean War veteran.

The Stars and Stripes Honor Flight is a chance for former service members to bond over their similar experiences.

"It certainly will be, because we got so much in common, you know, and it's a thrill to have this experience of being an ex-GI," said Kneever.

The crowd waiting for the Honor Flight heroes to return, continues to grow larger as the group is set to back at the General Mitchell Airport around 10 p.m.