Buffalo veterans return home after emotional Honor Flight trip

37 veterans receive hero's welcome after visiting memorials in Washington, D.C.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 7:55am

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A blurred, dreamlike image of a group of older men walking together, their faces indistinct but their body language suggesting camaraderie and shared experience.The emotional homecoming for Buffalo veterans who visited war memorials in Washington, D.C. captures the deep appreciation for their service.Buffalo Today

A group of 37 veterans from Buffalo, New York, recently returned home after an emotional weekend trip to Washington, D.C. through the Honor Flight program. The veterans, who served in conflicts ranging from the Korean War to the Vietnam War, were greeted with applause and a town crier upon arriving at Baltimore Washington International Airport. They then visited several war memorials, including the World War II Memorial, the Korean Memorial, and the Marine Memorial featuring the Iwo Jima statue.

Why it matters

The Honor Flight program provides veterans, especially those from the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War eras, the opportunity to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. These trips are deeply meaningful for the veterans, allowing them to reflect on their experiences and be recognized for their service.

The details

During the trip, several veterans were recognized for their service. Navy veteran Archie Oleszkowski, who served in the Korean War, was moved to tears by the warm welcome the group received. Army veteran Ron Sutz, who served in the Vietnam War, also found the greeting "heartwarming." At the Korean Memorial, Russ Casterline was surprised to be awarded the Ambassador of Peace medal and selected to participate in the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

  • The veterans flew out of Buffalo and landed at Baltimore Washington International Airport on April 20, 2026.
  • The group visited the World War II Memorial, the Korean Memorial, the Marine Memorial, the FDR Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial on April 20-21, 2026.

The players

Archie Oleszkowski

A Navy veteran who served in the Korean War.

Ron Sutz

An Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War.

Russ Casterline

A veteran who was awarded the Ambassador of Peace medal and selected to participate in the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

Mike Cutini

A veteran who earned a Purple Heart in Korea.

George Snedden

A veteran who earned a Purple Heart while serving in the Army in Vietnam.

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What they’re saying

“The greeting we got made me cry, it's something I didn't anticipate.”

— Archie Oleszkowski, Navy veteran

“It was just heartwarming.”

— Ron Sutz, Army veteran

“I never would have dreamt that in a million years.”

— Russ Casterline, Veteran

“I was honored to have the honor of honoring the unknown.”

— Eugene Pierce, Army veteran

What’s next

In the coming weeks, the local news station WBEN plans to share more stories from the veterans who took part in the Honor Flight trip.

The takeaway

The Honor Flight program provides a meaningful way for veterans to reflect on their service and be recognized for their sacrifices. The emotional welcome the Buffalo veterans received upon their return home underscores the deep appreciation the community has for those who have served.