Twenty-five Hawaii veterans came home to an emotional surprise after the first Hawaiian Islands Honor Flight, a feel-good moment for the islands' veteran community.

• The inaugural Hawaiian Islands Honor Flight returned from Washington, D.C., and Seattle with 25 veterans aboard.
• Each veteran got a surprise mail call — envelopes stuffed with handmade cards from Hawaii schoolchildren, family, and friends.
• For many Vietnam veterans, it was the first mail like this they ever received.
• Others said it brought back deployments where letters from home closed the distance instantly.

Outlook: A welcome-home reception closed out the trip, and organizers are expected to build on it with future flights.