(Green Bay, WI)  – A rousing, joyous celebration – that’s what will be happening at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport on Saturday evening, June 20, 2026. The public is encouraged to turn out to make the return home of the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Of Champions one that veterans won’t ever forget. It’s all free – including the parking.

The “Flight of Champions” will honor approximately 180 Korean War, Vietnam and Vietnam Era veterans from northeast, southeast and east central Wisconsin with a one day, all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built to recognize their service and sacrifice, and to experience a full day of honor and thanks for their efforts. Two flights will take place out of Milwaukee and one flight out of Green Bay, with the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and Milwaukee Bucks  teaming up to make the trip extra special. All three teams will have representatives on the planes, with Packers alumni joining the flight.

To cap off the day, welcome home celebrations will be held in Milwaukee and Green Bay. Details of the Green Bay welcome home event at Green Bay’s Austin-Straubel International Airport, were announced today, with the public encouraged to participate in the festivities. Thousands of small flags will be handed out to participants (while supplies last).The Oneida Nation Honor Guard will also be on hand as the veterans depart their plane. The public is encouraged to bring welcome home signs to use as they cheer on the veterans.

The GRB parking lots will be free and open to the public, with attendees asked to arrive by 6 p.m. and then proceed to the main terminal. The anticipated arrival time of the Flight of Champions is 7:30 p.m.

The Flight of Champions would like to thank the sponsors who made this flight possible, including:

Platinum sponsors:

Green Bay Packers Give Back

Schneider National

WPS Foundation
 

Silver sponsors:

Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport

Jet Air Group

Lamar

Oneida Nation

Supporters

Brown County

Brown County Veterans Services

Oneida Nation Veterans Dept.

The Oneida Nation Color Guard

Tailwind Concessions 

Kane Communications Group

Buckley Enterprises/Subway

Fleet Farm

The Flight of Champions representatives also thanked other organizations, individuals and companies providing in-kind services for the event.