LAS VEGAS — The excitement was unmistakable inside Harry Reid International Airport as hundreds gathered to welcome home more than 60 Korean and Vietnam War veterans returning from an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Among those on the emotional journey were two Mohave County residents: Fred Bender of Lake Havasu City and LeRoy Wissinger of Kingman.
The all expenses paid trip, organized by the Honor Flight Network’s Southern Nevada hub, is designed to give long overdue recognition to veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars—conflicts often referred to as the “forgotten war” and the war that divided the nation. For many, this welcome home was unlike anything they experienced when they first returned from service.
Retired Master Sergeant Nichelle Webb, who greeted the veterans at the airport, said the moment carries deep meaning.
“I think it means something huge for them because I know they remember coming back when they actually went to these wars and no one was there,” Webb said. “That’s why I come out here to be here for them. When I came back from the war, I had a huge parade—but that was Afghanistan.”
For Navy veteran LeRoy Wissinger, the reception in Washington and again in Las Vegas left a lasting impression.
“The biggest impression was the welcome we got,” he said. “The welcome came from all over the place. It was everywhere. It was just unbelievable.”
Wissinger said the trip was exceptionally well organized, and several stops stood out, including the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Iwo Jima flag raising statues, and the vast grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, which spans 640 acres.
Lake Havasu resident Fred Bender, a nearly 30 year military veteran who served in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, said the entire experience exceeded expectations.
“Everything! I enjoyed everything,” Bender said. “It was just near perfect. I couldn’t pick out one thing in particular. The whole trip was planned great; guardians were great; the organization that put it on was great; the hosts… everything was just fantastic.”
Bender had a message for any eligible veteran still considering the trip.
“I would tell them that they’re crazy if they don’t go. Apply for a trip. It might take you a couple of years to get it, but you’ll get it.”
Honor Flight Southern Nevada has largely caught up from the COVID 19 hiatus, and wait times have shortened. The hub accepts World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans from Nevada and nearby regions of Arizona and Utah. Applications can be submitted at honorflightsouthernnevada.org.
The Honor Flight movement began in May 2005, when six volunteer pilots flew 12 World War II veterans from Ohio to Washington, D.C., to see the newly completed National World War II Memorial. That small act of gratitude, led by retired Air Force captain Earl Morse, grew into a national network with more than 128 hubs and over 244,000 veterans flown to date.
Today, the homecomings have become a powerful tradition. Families, friends, veterans’ groups, and even travelers with no personal connection line airport corridors to offer applause, handshakes, and heartfelt thanks. On this flight, passengers reportedly paused on their way out simply to tell the veterans, “Thank you for your service.”
For Bender, Wissinger, and the dozens of others on this latest Honor Flight, the message was finally unmistakable: Welcome home.
