On Monday, a group of Tulsa-area veterans set off for the nation’s capital as part of the 22nd Heroes Flight program. The trip, organized by Brookshire – the parent company of local grocery chain Reasor’s – gave the veterans a chance to stand before the monuments that commemorate the sacrifices of America’s armed forces.

Community send‑off ceremony

Before departing, a heartfelt ceremony was held at a Brookshire location in Tulsa. Community members gathered to see the veterans off, offering prayers, applause, and words of encouragement. The event highlighted the deep respect Tulsa holds for those who have served, reinforcing the city’s tradition of honoring military service.

Purpose of the Heroes Flight

The Heroes Flight program, now in its 22nd year, arranges trips for veterans of various wars and conflicts to visit Washington, D.C. While there, participants will tour iconic war memorials such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. The experience is designed to provide a space for reflection, camaraderie, and the honoring of comrades who never made it home.

Veterans share their thoughts

Greg Robinson, Regional Vice President for Reasor’s, described the emotional impact of the trip. “It becomes very emotional as they see the monuments and have the memories of the wars and the conflicts that they went through, and when they get to see the names of people that they served with and lost on the walls and the different places, they see them,” Robinson said. He added that the short stay in D.C. also fosters new friendships among the veterans, strengthening bonds formed through shared service.

Return and continued support

The veterans are scheduled to return to Tulsa on Wednesday, where local organizations plan follow‑up events to celebrate their safe return and to continue supporting their transition back to civilian life. Brookshire and other community partners have pledged ongoing assistance, emphasizing the importance of caring for those who have defended our freedoms.

Why the Heroes Flight matters

For many veterans, the opportunity to stand before the names etched in stone offers a rare chance for closure and gratitude. The trip also serves as a reminder to the broader Tulsa community of the sacrifices made by service members and the enduring need to support them through faith, family, and community initiatives.

As the veterans prepare to board their return flight, the city of Tulsa stands united in gratitude, ready to welcome them home and honor the legacy of those who gave everything for our nation.

Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.