Tuesday, October 13, 2026
photos by Anna E. Reed, photographer (student)
A Navy veteran is welcomed home after an Honor Flight visit to memorials in Washington, D.C. Penn College employees and student groups were joined by community members in cheering the veterans as they walked the red carpet from their buses to the college's Bush Campus Center.
Pennsylvania College of Technology welcomed home two busloads of veterans of the Vietnam and Korean wars on Sunday. The veterans from throughout the Williamsport area were returning from a trip to Washington, D.C., arranged by Honor Flight Philadelphia and Blue Star Mothers of America Chapter 12.
During their stay in the nation’s capital, the veterans visited Arlington National Cemetery and several monuments dedicated to their military service. Stops included the U.S. Air Force Memorial, Marine Corps War Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Honor Flight Philadelphia is a regional hub of the Honor Flight Network, which provides U.S. veterans with free trips to Washington, D.C., to visit national memorials. Chapter 12 of the Blue Star Mothers of America is the northcentral Pennsylvania entity of the nonprofit organization for mothers whose children have served or are currently serving in the military.
Despite persistent rain, scores of community members, waving miniature American flags, welcomed the veterans to campus. The vets walked a red carpet into the Bush Campus Center and enjoyed a meal catered by Le Jeune Chef Restaurant in Penn’s Inn.
Campus groups that helped produce the festive atmosphere included the Student Veterans Organization, the Medical Imaging Club, Penn College Benefiting THON and the Penn College Pep Band. Aviation students also participated in the ceremony.
According to Katie Burke, coordinator of student advocacy/veteran support & prevention education, the idea to host the Honor Flight originated with Kim Cordrey, a member of Blue Star Mothers Chapter 12, who recently retired from her role as secretary at the college’s Lumley Aviation Center.
“Kim approached us in Spring 2025, and once we learned more about the mission, we knew Penn College would be an ideal host site, especially given the college’s longstanding connection to the military community,” Burke said.
Penn College has consistently been named a Military Friendly and Guard Friendly School. The institution was ranked the No. 2 best college for veterans in the Regional Colleges (North) classification by U.S. News & World Report for 2027. The college also supports a robust Army ROTC program.
Burke estimates that she and Chet Beaver, assistant director of student advocacy for veteran/military, volunteered over 100 hours in supporting fundraising efforts and logistical planning for the Honor Flight event. She also expressed gratitude for Blake E. Lambert, assistant director for facilities & events; Amanda S. Whitesel, manager of audio/visual services; and General Services staff for their support of the initiative.
“The veteran community is incredibly important to both Chet and me, and it was an honor to bring this experience to campus,” Burke said. “Greeting the veterans before their departure and then welcoming them home was unforgettable. Seeing the emotion, gratitude and overwhelming community support made every hour of planning worthwhile. We would absolutely do it all again.”
WNEP, the region’s ABC affiliate, also covered the event.
The Penn College Pep Band augments the welcome celebration.
Scouts from Troop 26 in Hughesville join in the Heroes Welcome.
In Penn’s Inn, the veterans and their families are treated to a ceremony and dinner prepared by the college’s Le Jeune Chef Restaurant.
Get Penn College News in your inbox each morning.