East Central Kansas Honor Flight veterans and student guardians take in the artwork and architecture of the United States Capitol Rotunda during their visit to Washington, D.C. The trip provided opportunities for participants to explore historic sites while learning about the nation’s history. Photo by Kathleen Hinrichs.
By Kathleen Hinrichs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 3-4, 2026, 46 veterans and their student guardians representing seven East Central Kansas school districts recently returned from an Honor Flight journey that honored service, preserved stories, and created lasting connections between generations.
Veterans and students from Central Heights, Flinthills, Jayhawk Linn, Lyndon, Northern Heights, Osawatomie, and Prairie View school districts spent two days visiting memorials and historic sites dedicated to the men and women who served our nation. The trip included visits to Fort McHenry, the U.S. Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, the National Archives, the National Museum of the U.S. Army, the Navy Memorial, and several of the nation’s most recognized war memorials.
Unlike most Honor Flight programs across the country, the student guardian model utilized by the Central Heights and Lyndon schools allows high school students to serve alongside veterans throughout the journey. Students assist veterans during the trip while gaining a firsthand understanding of service, sacrifice and patriotism from those who lived it.
This year organizers expanded participation to include Flinthills, Jayhawk Linn, Northern Heights, Osawatomie, and Prairie View districts. The partnership has allowed more veterans and students from neighboring communities to share in the Honor Flight experience while preserving the stories and experiences of those who served.
For veteran James Heimgartner and his daughter, student guardian Brylee Heimgartner, the opportunity to experience Honor Flight together made the trip especially meaningful.
“To do this together was really important to me,” James Heimgartner said. “I’m one of the younger veterans, but I’m getting close to 60, and it was nice to be able to do this while we were both going to be able to enjoy it. Just being the buds that we are, we really enjoyed hanging out together.”
The trip also created lasting friendships between veterans and students.
Veteran Larry Jackson said one of the most meaningful moments of the trip was the Mail Call ceremony, where veterans received letters from family and friends expressing their appreciation and gratitude.
“It was really meaningful,” Jackson said. “One of the most memorable parts was sitting on my bed Wednesday night reading the Mail Call letters from family members. Hearing what I meant to them over the years and getting to read those words while I’m still here to appreciate them meant a lot to me.”
Jackson also reflected on the bond he formed with his student guardian, Mason Randall.
“I tell you, Mason is a super guy. I really worked him out, but I made a friend for life. We’ve become very good friends and I know we’ll stay in touch,” he said.
Throughout the trip, veterans and students experienced several unique opportunities. At Arlington National Cemetery, the group witnessed the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and later had the opportunity to speak with a Tomb Guard about the responsibility, training, and dedication required to serve at one of the nation’s most sacred sites.
The group also attended the National Battle of Midway Commemoration at the Navy Memorial. Following the ceremony, several admirals remained to visit with veterans, hear their stories, answer questions, and pose for photographs. Among those who spent time visiting with veterans was Vice Admiral Yvette Davids, former Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy and the first woman to serve in that role.
One particularly memorable moment occurred at Fort McHenry, where the group unexpectedly crossed paths with another student-centered veterans program from southeast Kansas. The group, organized by Amy Harper and representing schools from Fort Scott, Parsons, Chetopa, and St. Paul, shared a unique connection with Honor Flight coordinator Tom Horstick.
Years earlier, Harper met Horstick during a teacher of the year event. Inspired by his efforts to honor veterans and involve students in the experience, Harper began working to create a similar opportunity in her own communities. Over the years, Horstick provided encouragement and guidance as the program developed. Their chance meeting at Fort McHenry during the group’s inaugural trip served as a reminder of how one act of service can inspire another and how the mission of honoring veterans continues to grow across Kansas.
For many participants, the most emotional moment came at the conclusion of the trip when the group returned to Kansas City International Airport. Hundreds of family members, friends, students, school staff, community supporters, and members of the NRLCA Armed Forces Veterans Club gathered to welcome the veterans home. Veterans were greeted with applause, signs, hugs, handshakes, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude for their service.
The Honor Flight experience was made possible through the generosity of donors, sponsors, volunteers, school districts, and community supporters. No veteran, student guardian, or volunteer was asked to pay to participate.
As planning begins for future trips, organizers hope the experience will continue to honor veterans, inspire students, and preserve the stories of those who served our nation.
For more information, contact Kathleen Hinrichs, media coordinator, Honor Flight of East Central Kansas, kat.devine@gmail.com.
Related story: Veterans and guardians catch an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
