Veterans return to Bakersfield after the 50th Honor Flight trip

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Veterans onboard the 50th Kern County Honor Flight returned to Meadows Field Airport Thursday evening, after a whirlwind trip to our nation’s capitol.

Patriotism was on full display as these local veterans were given a heroes welcome back home. The group took off early Tuesday morning and spent the past three days touring the monuments built in their honor, in Washington D.C.

17 News’ chief forecaster, Kevin Charette, was with them and shares this look into their final day in Washington D.C.

“Going on this honor flight is like a dream come true,” said Vietnam Vet Jesus Rubinol Jr. “If it wasn’t for the honor flight, I probably would never be here.”

Ken Schultz didn’t realize the true depth of the trip until he went.

“I didn’t realize how extensive it was and how much we would be able to see,” said Schultz. “It’s just been great.”

“The stories that they have, the things that they’ve seen, the sacrifices that they’ve made in defense of our country; it’s our solemn responsibility to share those stories with the world,” said Congressman Vince Fong.

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