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Veterans depart La Crosse on latest Freedom Honor Flight
They served in all branches of the service in different parts of the country and the world.
They all call the Coulee Region home.
Veterans all came together Saturday for the 32nd Freedom Honor Flight from La Crosse to Washington D.C.
There were 101 men and women veterans and their guardians, along with support staff, who flew out of La Crosse that morning to spend the day in the nation’s capital to see the monuments dedicated to their service, those who came before them, and those who gave their lives for the country.
Music and a short ceremony happened before the veterans walked out to the aircraft.
Freedom Honor Flight Send Off
Besides well wishes from family and friends, the veterans walked down a line of cadets, scouts, Honor Flight members, military, and other veterans — all who wished them well on the journey.
Gary Hess is the District 7 director of the American Legion Riders of Wisconsin. The group has participated the ceremonies in La Crosse since the first flight, he said.
“We have to do everything we can to support them,” Hess said, “and to wish them well and to give them as much cheer and I don’t know … camaraderie and just have a good time with them. It just means a lot for us to see them off. What we see here is nothing like what they’re going to see in Washington, D.C.”
Hess was correct.
As everyone got on board, taxied and took off east, it was the start of a day filled with making new friends, sharing experiences, showing displays of gratitude, plus a full range of emotions.
WIZM’s Kevin Millard was on the flight. He’ll share stories, images, and video from the journey.
Veterans, guardians, and Honor Flight support staff getting ready at the hangar before the flight 
Veterans line up to board the jet to take them to Washington. 
Gary Hess, the Dist. 7 Director of the American Legion Riders of Wisconsin stands alongside other members as the veterans begin to board the jet Saturday morning. 
Gary Hess, right, talks to one of the Freedom Honor Flight veterans. 
Veterans and guardians waiting to board the jet. 
Boarding the plane for the 32nd Freedom Honor Flight.
Coverage of the Freedom Honor Flight
Freedom Honor Flight: Welcome Home
Freedom Honor Flight: ‘Others more deserving’
Edwin Fish
May 5, 2025 at 7:02 pm
Thanks Gary it was great to connect with again everyone does an outstanding job to make sure the veterans have the most memorable experience possible. Take care my friend.