There’s an organization right here in western Wisconsin that’s giving our World War II veterans a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

On May 8th, 98 men and women from across the area were part of a one-day trip to Washington, DC. A trip to say thank you.

We had the honor of flying with our veterans on this special journey to the nation’s capital.

The journey began with a special send-off ceremony in La Crosse.

"Our goal is to get as many people, WWII veterans, to the monument before they pass away,” said Cheryl Higgins, with the Freedom Honor Flight organization.

The non-profit group out of La Crosse was the first Wisconsin affiliate in the nationwide Honor Flight Network.

For this flight, it welcomed dozens of family members…friends…and most importantly, members of the greatest generation. And as our heroes boarded the plane to Washington, many were overcome by the power of the moment.

"I'm overwhelmed,“ one veterans said. “I never expected anything like this."

"I'm excited,“ added another. “I understand it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing."
Emotions also ran high among the people who lined the path to the plane.

"It's very moving,“ said a member of the American Legion flag line. “They've done so much for us. If it weren't for them, we wouldn't have the freedom that we have."

"It's a good feeling in the heart,” added ROTC member, Sam Pankonen. “I know my grandpa was a veteran, so it's kind of good to see some other veterans and pay my respects to them as well."

"This is an experience for everybody,“ said yet another member of the American Legion. “It's well worth being here for them."

After an exciting morning at the hanger it was wheels-up for a 90 minute flight to Dulles International Airport. The excitement grew, especially for those veterans who had never even been on an airplane.

"It's going real fine,“ said one first-time flier. “I like it."

"I thought we were just standing still,” laughed another. "It's nice to be above the clouds. Really cruising!"

But, the real treat was still to come. A surprise welcome in Washington.

And as our veterans took it all in, the man who flew them across the country held back his own tears.

"What makes this flight so touching is my father, said pilot Bruce Achterling. “He passed away in 2003 and he always wanted to come out here. Never made it,“ he said, holding back tears. “It's touching. Very touching. And I'm honored. I'm honored to do it."

Men and women…young and old…all gathered for the same thing. Our veterans.

"Very impressive,“ said one World War II vet as he got off the plane. “Quite an experience. Experience of a lifetime, I guess."

"Brings back a lot of memories, a lot of friends,“ said another with a smile. “It's really nice they do it."

A warm welcome…some 60 years in the making.

Coming up Wednesday morning on Sunrise, we’ll go along with our World War II veterans as they visit the memorial created in their honor.

Freedom Honor Flight: Wings to Washington will continue on WEAU 13 News.