BUFFALO, N.Y. — A hero’s sendoff and a hero’s welcome home.

For a group of Western New York female veterans, this weekend’s trip to Washington, D.C. was a journey of reflection, gratitude, and long-overdue recognition.

The trip took 35 veterans to the nation’s capital to visit the memorials and monuments that honor their service. It's the first-ever all-women’s Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight.

“I opened the doors for a lot of people and so did everybody else,” said Air Force veteran Shirley Chiodo.

The group was joined by partners and guardians who said it was an honor to share in the experience.

“It means a lot that we’re able to take all of our veterans and be part of their story,” said Samantha Tolliver of Southwest Airlines.

Their sendoff was marked with cheers, applause, and the

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