A tradition of gratitude
Every year, the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh football program lends its time and energy to the EAA AirVenture Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight, a ceremony that brings Vietnam War veterans back to the United States for a heartfelt welcome home. The event, staged at the annual air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, draws crowds of families, fellow service members and curious onlookers who gather to applaud those who waited decades for a proper tribute.
The collaboration dates back more than fifteen years, with the team assisting both the early‑morning departure of veterans from their homes and the evening arrival back on the tarmac. Over that span, players and coaches have become familiar faces at the airport, turning a simple logistical support role into a deeply personal tradition.
Voices from the field
Head coach Peter Jennings calls the EAA Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight "one of the most meaningful traditions of EAA AirVenture," emphasizing how the experience blends athletic camaraderie with a profound sense of duty. For junior Jacob Buck, the motivation is personal: his father and grandfather served in the military, and he sees the flight as a way to give back to those who made similar sacrifices.
Freshman Kaleb Brooks describes the event as "humbling and meaningful," noting that the chance to stand alongside veterans who have long awaited recognition adds a layer of perspective that extends beyond the football field.
Longtime defensive coordinator Craig Stenbroten, who has helped organize the flight for over fifteen years, highlights the continuity of the effort, saying that each iteration reinforces the bond between the university community and the nation's veterans.
A personal homecoming
Veteran Leo Mueller arrived back in Oshkosh accompanied by his daughter Christine Mack, greeted by a large crowd and dozens of soldiers eager to express their thanks. The moment underscored the emotional weight of the ceremony, as many veterans finally receive the welcome home they missed upon their initial return from service.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., which lists the names of 58,318 Americans who died or remain missing, serves as a backdrop for the flight's purpose: to provide veterans with a chance to reflect at the memorial and to feel the appreciation of a grateful nation.
Beyond the personal stories, the Honor Flight offers athletes a unique avenue to respect and celebrate veterans, reinforcing a culture of service that resonates through the university's sports programs and the broader community.