PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — It’s not every day you get to thank a veteran with a trip to the nation's capital, but that’s exactly what happened after U.S. Navy veteran Will Barbeau was featured on 12 News. Barbeau, who served in World War II, celebrated his 100th birthday earlier this year an d was spotlighted for his service and musical talents on a February edition of Street Stories. STREET STORIES: WWII veteran surprised with Honor Flight trip for 100th birthday 12 News asked his daughter, Laura Choiniere, a life-changing question: Would her father be interested in an Honor Flight? Navy Veteran Will Barbeau "Wow, I think he would," she responded. Shortly after, the family received a surprise visit from Chief George Farrell, chairman of the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub. "We have a flight scheduled and we would be happy if you let us take you on your Honor Flight," Farrell told the Barrington resident during the visit. Barbeau was surprised by the offer but quickly accepted, saying it sounded like fun. Fast forward to Sunday, March 31, and he was ready to board a plane from Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport to Washington, D.C., along with 31 other veterans. The group received a hero's sendoff—complete with bagpipers and emotional goodbyes—as they embarked on a journey to visit the memorials built in their honor. "All the organization it takes to pull this off ... and I kept biting my tongue so that I wouldn't cry.  I was so moved," Choiniere said. Before takeoff, Barbeau and fellow veteran Rasauro Tentoco were presented with quilts representing their branches of service, handmade by Michele Krakowski. Navy Veteran Will Barbeau with his daughter Laura Choiniere Barbeau, who has played the clarinet since he was 12 years old, even joined in with the bagpipers, adding his own notes to the moment. "He cradles his clarinet like a baby," Choiniere said with a smile. "And I wonder—did you ever cradle us like that?" And that was only the beginning of Honor Flight Charlie—the trip included a full itinerary in D.C., with stops at various war memorials. Navy Veteran Will Barbeau Among those who joined the veterans on the trip were 12 News Military Analyst Lt. General Reginald Centracchio and Rhode Island Veterans Affairs Director Kasim Yarn. "I tell you, it just makes me feel wonderful knowing you're an American and what it took from him to give us the ability to do what we're doing," Centracchio said. "Just a tremendous guy, and he's a musician too." Barbeau even had a chance to reunite with an old friend, discovering that Tom Hetherington, who he had taught to fish years ago, was also on that same plane. While the Honor Flight only lasted one day, the experience created memories—and music—that will last a lifetime. NEXT | ‘Happy to be here’: WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media:                     Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Good News SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less