How Wichita area veterans can get away from the noise this Independence Day

Veterans who want to avoid the loud booms of fireworks will have a place to stay this Independence Day — Strataca, the Kansas Underground Salt Museum in Hutchinson.

The idea came to Passageways cofounder Jennifer Garrison when she noticed her pictures rattle when fireworks went off.

“I can’t even imagine what our heroes are going through,” Garrison said.

Passageways is a local nonprofit that started in 2014 to help homeless veterans, but has since added on initiatives for veterans of any kind.

Fireworks can bring up traumatic memories in some veterans, and Passageways’ “Mission Underground” will take the veterans down 650 feet to stay away from the noise. Veterans wishing to attend will need to arrive at Strataca at 5:30 p.m. on July 4.

From then to July 5 at 6 a.m., there will be cots and sleeping bags as well as food from Hog Wild Pit BBQ, board games, bingo, giveaways, mental health counselors and tours of the museum for attendees to enjoy. The Daughters of the American Revolution will embroider bags for attendees as well.

Those wishing to attend must apply first by calling Garrison at (316) 300-6874. Applicants will have to send a picture of their Veteran Affairs ID as well as go through a background check, then fill out a physical application that’ll arrive through mail.