On April 26, two planes carrying 116 veterans and their guardians departed from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, heading to Washington, D.C. Veterans from the Korean and Vietnam Wars, along with two veterans from World War II, were traveling to visit the memorials dedicated in their honor. The We Energies Foundation was proud to sponsor the 79th mission of Stars and Stripes Honor Flight.
“We consider it a privilege to pay tribute to military heroes by backing Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. Every moment of the journey, from takeoff to landing, showcases our deep admiration and respect for those who have served our nation,” said Beth Straka, president — We Energies Foundation.
In addition to sponsoring the flights, We Energies employees volunteered at the airport, served as guardians to veterans during the day and wrote hundreds of thank-you cards to show their appreciation.
Guardians play a significant role on every Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, ensuring each veteran has a safe and memorable experience. They assist veterans at the airport, during the flights and at the memorials.
Glen Vance, manager at the Oak Creek Power Plant and a veteran himself, served as a guardian for a veteran who served in Vietnam.
“This was one of the best-run organizations I’ve ever seen, and I’m grateful to have been asked to participate,” said Vance.
Kyle Urban, senior operations manager at We Energies and also a veteran, echoed the sentiments: “I had the opportunity to talk with a number of veterans on my flight about how their day was going, and they had nothing but positive reactions and smiles throughout the day. During conversations it came out that I was a We Energies Guardian, and they all spoke so highly on how grateful they all were, not only for what our company does every day with providing electricity and gas to our customers, but that we sponsor the flight and make it financially possible for all of them to be able to go on it.”
“I just really can’t stop talking about it, “ said Julie Anderson, office assistant at the Oak Creek Power Plant, who volunteered in the morning to send the veterans off. “We had a fantastic time. Interacting with the veterans and their guardians was a memorable experience. I can now tell people that I’ve shaken hands with a 100-year-old WWII veteran, and that is something I will remember forever.”
About 1,500 people cheered on the veterans as they arrived back in Milwaukee.
Melissa Tousignant, an employee of Minnesota Energy Resources, a sister utility to We Energies, traveled hundreds of miles to volunteer at the evening welcome home event.
“The Honor Flight welcome home parade was truly unforgettable. Words can hardly capture what an incredible experience and deep honor it was to help welcome home our veterans — those who fought to protect our freedom, sacrificing their time, energy, and, in many cases, their brothers in arms. It was a true privilege to shake their hands, greet them and personally say thank you.”