The 17th annual VetsRoll trip took place, May 17-20, 2026, taking nearly 200 American Veterans, Rosie the Riveters and 125 volunteers on a free four-day trip to Washington, D.C. VetsRoll honors America’s Senior Veterans.

Ron Slapinski, Whitewater, was selected as one of the nationwide honored Veterans to take part in this 14-bus caravan on Badger Coaches, that departed Machesney Park, Illinois in the early morning of May 17, 2026.

Ron served from 1970-1974.  He was an Air Force Sergeant E4.  His service was spent at:

*Lackland Air Force Base, Texas for Basic Training
*Lowery Air Force Base, Colorado, Tech School Training
*KI Sawyer Air Force Base, Michigan, General Duties
*RAF Bentwaters, Woodbridge, England Flight Line, Various Duties

The Veterans were escorted to Washington D.C. and back with 35 motorcycles and various police, first responders and fire departments.

During their travels, the Veterans toured all the Major American Military Memorials:
*National Museum of the USAF at Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio
*U.S. Marine Corp Memorial, Washington, D.C.
*WWII Memorial, Washington, D.C.
*Vietnam Memorial, Washington, DC.
*Korean Memorial, Washington, DC.
*Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC.
*Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, DC.

The convoy left Washington D.C. Early on Wednesday, May 20, for a long trip home. They were greeted by thousands of community members, supporters, a parade, and a large fireworks display.

If you are interested in volunteering, donating or applying as a veteran for next year‘s trip, you can find more information on the VetsRoll homepage. VetsRoll.org

Editor’s Note: Submitted by Ron Slapinski’s PROUD Air Force wife, Sharon Reigstad.