OMAHA — Chuck Hagel intends to travel through Nebraska saying thanks for his 12 years in the U.S. Senate.

A news release from the Republican senator’s Washington office says Hagel and his wife, Lilibet, will be visiting Nebraskans on Wednesday and Thursday next week.

Their itinerary includes stops in Ainsworth, Grand Island, Kearney, Lincoln, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha and Scottsbluff.

The senator says serving Nebraska in the U.S. Senate “has been the greatest privilege of my life.’’

Hagel opted against running for a third term. He will be replaced in Washington by former Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns, a Republican.