GREEN BAY (WTAQ- WLUK) – The Green Bay Packers are getting ready for the first honor flight of its kind this month.
Packers alumni, along with alumni from the Milwaukee Brewers and the Milwaukee Bucks are joining veterans on the Stars and Stripes Flight of Champions to Washington D.C. Saturday, Oct. 19.
The mission will have three flights. Two planeloads of veterans, guardians and alumni from the Brewers and Bucks will depart from Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport. Simultaneously, a third plane of veterans, guardians and Packers alumni will leave Green Bay’s Austin Straubel International Airport.
About 240 WWII, Korean War and Vietnam veterans from Wisconsin, will visit the memorials built in their honor in the nation’s capitol on an all-expenses paid day trip.
During the announcement Wednesday, the Packers announced the following former players will join veterans on the Green Bay plane:
- Jared Abbrederis
- Jarrett Bush
- LeRoy Butler
- Johnnie Gray
- Bill Schroeder
This is the third honor flight the Packers have participated in but it’s the first they’ve teamed up with the Brewers and Bucks.
“While we do play different sports, our teams all have one thing in common and that’s great respect for the those who have served and are serving in the military,” said Packers President and CEO, Mark Murphy. “And I would say, on behalf of the Packers, we have a tremendous connection over the years, going back in our history with members of the military, veterans and we’re proud to continue that.”
The Brewers and the Bucks also announced their alumni roster.
The Brewers say Don August, Jerry Augstine, Ken Sanders and Paul Wagner will go on the trip, while the Bucks say Steve Novak and Dick Garrett will be on their flight.
The Packers also asked fans to make the return home extra special for veterans. The pubic is invited to turn out in force to welcome the veterans home when they return Saturday night.
“So many of our Vietnam War and Korean War veterans came home to disinterest, or to a hostile reception,” said the president of Stars and Stripes Honor flight, Paula Nelson. “What an honor it will be to finally welcome them home properly and hopefully replace some of those difficult memories with positive ones.”
The Austin Straubel airport concourse will open shortly after 5 p.m. with the flight expected to arrive around 7:30 p.m. There will be free parking in the Austin Straubel lot and free overflow parking with shuttle service from Oneida Bingo Hall across the street. Inside the airport will be live music, flag giveaways and honor guards.
