FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Honor Flight Northeast Indiana (HFNEI) will celebrate its 55th flight to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026.
Honor Flight Northeast Indiana has safely transported 4,236 veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. For the upcoming 55th flight, 85 veterans are confirmed to participate: 3 from the Korean War, 13 from the Cold War, 66 from the Vietnam War, 3 served during other conflicts. Among these honored veterans, two have been awarded Bronze Stars.
HFNEI released the following:
HFNEI President, Cathy Berkshire states “We are so excited to be taking our 55th Honor Flight to honor an additional 85 of our most deserving Veteran Heroes! Thank you to the Fort Wayne, Northeast Indiana, Northwest Ohio communities for helping us fulfill our mission!”
Berkshire states, “We invite everyone to join the Welcome Home Celebration to honor these heroes as they return from Washington, D.C. Please plan to arrive at the airport around 8:30 pm for the welcome home. You are also welcome to bring a folding or camp chair to use while waiting for our return.”
Honor Flight Northeast Indiana (HFNEI) invites the community to help welcome home the veterans of Flight #55 on April 22, 2026, at Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA). Due to multiple construction projects and road closures near the airport, attendees are asked to review updated travel and parking instructions to ensure a smooth and safe evening.
Road Closures & Recommended Routes
Bluffton Road (Winters Rd → Ferguson Rd)
• Closed to through traffic
• Recommended: Take the **I 469/Winchester Rd exit**, travel north to Ferguson, then turn left toward the 122nd entrance or the airport.
Bluffton Road (Winchester Rd → Old Trail)
• Southbound lane restricted
• If approaching via Bluffton: Use **Winchester Rd → Airport Expressway → Bluffton Rd**, then head south to Ferguson and turn right toward the 122nd entrance or airport.
Airport Expressway (Smith Rd → Ardmore Ave)
• Affected for travelers coming from I 69
• Alternate: Take **Lower Huntington Rd → Ardmore Ave**, then travel south to airport overflow parking.
• You may also continue past the airport and railroad tracks to reach the 122nd entrance on the right.
Parking & Shuttle Information
To accommodate the large Welcome Home crowd:
• All visitors must park in the Overflow Parking area.
• Handicapped parking is available near the terminal for vehicles with a valid hang tag or plate.
• Shuttle buses will run continuously from overflow parking to the terminal beginning in the early evening and continuing until after the event.
• Parking is free only in the overflow lot. Long term airport parking is not complimentary for this event.
Veterans will arrive through the terminal’s ticketing area before boarding buses to return to their vehicles. Some waiting may occur outdoors depending on attendance, so guests are encouraged to dress for the weather.
Message from HFNEI President Cathy Berkshire
“Every Welcome Home event reminds us just how deeply this community cares for our veterans, and we are profoundly grateful for that continued support,” said Cathy Berkshire, President of Honor Flight Northeast Indiana. “As we prepare to welcome the heroes of Flight #55, we ask everyone to take note of the updated parking arrangements and road closures. Your patience and cooperation help us ensure that our veterans receive the smooth, heartfelt homecoming they deserve.”
Event Details & Community Invitation
• Public arrival time: 8:30 p.m.
• Location:** Fort Wayne International Airport
• Who can attend: Everyone—whether or not you know a veteran on the flight
• What to bring: Patriotic clothing, signs, and flags if you wish
• Please plan to stay until all veterans have arrived so every hero receives the same warm welcome.
Stay Updated
For updates, reminders, and additional details:
• Facebook: facebook.com/hfnei1
• Website: hfnei.org
HFNEI thanks the community for helping make each Welcome Home celebration a meaningful tribute to our veterans. Spread the word—and we’ll see you on April 22 to welcome our heroes home.
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