A Journey of Gratitude: Mike Baxter’s Flight on Mission 52 of the Never Forgotten Honor Flight

As the sun rose over Central Wisconsin on a crisp May morning, over 100 veterans stood ready at the airport, greeted by applause, hugs, and handshakes. Among them was Mike Baxter, a Vietnam War veteran, who, like so many of his brothers-in-arms, had waited decades to receive the gratitude he never asked for but deeply deserved. This was Mission 52 of the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, and it would be a day he would never forget.

As we approach Independence Day, a time when Americans reflect on freedom, sacrifice, and national pride, stories like Mike’s take on a deeper meaning. The Fourth of July is more than fireworks and parades; it is a solemn tribute to those who answered the call of duty. For many veterans, the Never Forgotten Honor Flight represents not only recognition but healing.

A Flight to Remember

Mike Baxter, now in his late 70s, served in Germany during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1970 as part of the U.S. Army’s 4th Maintenance Battalion. Like many who served during that turbulent time, he returned home to a nation divided and was never formally welcomed back. That changed on May 19, 2025.

The Never Forgotten Honor Flight, based in Wausau, Wisconsin, honors aging veterans by flying them to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor completely free of charge. Mission 52 carried veterans from Korea and Vietnam, each with unique stories, and united by shared sacrifice.

A Day in the Capital

In Washington, Mike and his fellow veterans visited the memorials for the Korean, Vietnam, and World War II as well as Arlington National Cemetery where they were able to see the changing of the guard and placement of the memorial wreath.

"It was a once in a lifetime experience,” Mike said of the memorials. “When I was in the Army, none of those memorials were there. It was a really neat experience to see them all.”

Seeing the memorials is a powerful moment for all visitors. It is especially impactful for the veterans. Many veterans placed letters, flags, and even tears at the base of the black granite wall of the Vietnam Memorial. The emotions, heavy and raw, turned to moments of comfort and camaraderie as fellow veterans leaned on one another.

A Nation Grateful

The Never Forgotten Honor Flight is made possible by donations, volunteers, and a community that understands the value of saying “thank you.” Since its founding in 2009, the program has flown over 4,000 veterans from Central and Northern Wisconsin. S.C. Swiderski employees raised more than $2,000 for the Never Forgotten Honor Flight this May.

"We can never repay them," said a volunteer who greeted the return flight. "But we can honor them. We can remember."

As Mike stepped off the return flight at Central Wisconsin Airport that night, he was met with a hero’s welcome: hundreds of people waving flags and signs, clapping, and cheering. It was the homecoming Mike, and so many others, had been waiting for.

A Fourth of July Reflection

As fireworks light up the skies this July 4th, let us remember that behind every burst of red, white, and blue is a story like Mike’s, a veteran’s story, a story of courage, sacrifice, and service. The Never Forgotten Honor Flight ensures that those stories are not just remembered but cherished.

This Independence Day, may we all take a moment to honor those who served, not only in word, but in action. The freedom we celebrate was earned through the quiet bravery of men and women like Mike Baxter. And thanks to programs like the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, their sacrifices will never be forgotten.