Former President Obama greets Wisconsin veterans on Badger Honor Flight
By Ryan Lynch
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MADISON, Wisconsin (WXOW) — Eighty-eight Wisconsin veterans received a memorable surprise on Saturday when former President Barack Obama greeted them on their Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
Saturday began as a special Badger Honor Flight carrying 88 Wisconsin veterans, marking their milestone 5,500th passenger. However, the day held an unexpected surprise.
“The next thing you know, we were hearing President Obama’s voice on the overhead speaker on the airplane,” said Brian Ziegler, chairperson of Badger Honor Flight.
“As we approach Veterans Day, I wanted to stop by and just say thank you for your extraordinary service. To you, your family, the sacrifices that you made to protect our country is something that will always be honored,” Obama said.
Ziegler said the passengers were completely taken aback by Obama’s visit.
“Last time I got to see a president, it was Gerald Ford,” said a veteran.
“That was a funny moment when him and President Obama spoke. All the veterans were very receptive…some of our veterans saying, I didn’t vote for you, but I still respect you,” said Ziegler.
Ziegler said Obama took the time to greet each veteran personally.
“He shook everyone’s hands and talked to them. When you got off the plane, he asked who you were and what you did,” said Ziegler.
After the greeting, veterans toured several memorials honoring them, including the FDR Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial and the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.
“It was a great day for us till the unexpected, and we love the fact that this is all about our veterans, and that’s what it should be about,” Ziegler said.
This was the final flight for 2025, but Badger Honor Flight is planning three more for next spring. Ziegler said they are always looking for veterans and volunteers to join their flights.
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