BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — More than 100 local veterans and volunteers returned home after a two-day trip to Washington, D.C., reuniting with families who had been waiting for their arrival.
Kern County’s Honor Flight returns to Bakersfield on April 22, 2026. (KBAK/KBFX)
“It was heart-moving, it was amazingoverwhelmed on how many people were here to welcome them back and send them off. It was beautiful,” Anna Rodriguez said.
The trip was part of Kern County’s Honor Flight, which gives veterans a first-time chance to visit the nation’s capital and its military memorials.
Kern County’s Honor Flight returns to Bakersfield on April 22, 2026. (KBAK/KBFX)
For local veteran Ernesto Lemus, the experience was unforgettable.
“My first time, and, oh my God, it was so awesome. And I just couldn’t imagine all of this. It just really blew me away,” Lemus said.
Kern County’s Honor Flight returns to Bakersfield on April 22, 2026. (KBAK/KBFX)
Local veteran William Albrecht also called the trip meaningful.
“It was really good, it was worthwhile,” Albrecht said.
The mission of the Honor Flight is to thank veterans for their service and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten. When the group returned, they were met with cheers and a welcome home that carried special meaning for some.
Kern County’s Honor Flight returns to Bakersfield on April 22, 2026. (KBAK/KBFX)
For Albrecht, it was a reception he said he had never received before.
“We were pretty much shunned then; we weren’t liked people in the military. It was really nice this time. Very, very nice,” Albrecht said.
Guardians who traveled alongside the veterans said the impact of the trip was clear to see.
“It was an amazing experience. I was here with my father-in-law, so I got to spend time with him and another veteran, who I was his guardian, so it was awesome to see it through their eyes,” Jack Digiacomo said.
Kern County’s Honor Flight returns to Bakersfield on April 22, 2026. (KBAK/KBFX)
Lemus said he will cherish the memories and the connections made during the trip.
“All my vets all my friend vets that I met on the trip. It was just awesome. When we served, we had the camaraderie, but not as good as it is right now,” Lemus said.