Help Send Local Veterans to DC on the Honor Flight of Southern Indiana and Be Part of Their Journey

For thousands of veterans, the journey to Washington, D.C. is more than a trip, it’s a long-overdue thank you.

Honor Flight gives those who served our country a chance to visit the memorials dedicated to their sacrifice, often for the first time.

History of the Honor Flight Network

The Honor Flight Network was established in 2005 by Earl Morse, a physician assistant and retired Air Force captain. In 1998, Morse was hired by the Department of Veterans Affairs to work in a small clinic in Springfield, Ohio near Wright-Patterson AFB. He often spoke to WWII veterans about visiting their new memorial in Washington, D.C., but found that it was financially or physically impossible for many of them to do so.

He wanted to do something to help them fulfill their dreams of visitng or nation's capital to honor their friends and loved ones, so Earl enlisted some of his pilot buddies and personally took some of the veterans on the journey. It gained national attention, and the Honor Flight was born. Today, there are 129 active hubs in 45 states.

Honor Flight of Southern Indiana

Here in Southern Indiana, volunteers began the process of establishing a local Honor Flight hub to fly out of Evansville Regional Airport. Honor Flight of Southern Indiana was approved into the national network in January 2015 as the 133rd hub.

What Happens on an Honor Flight Trip?

When a veteran is selected to participate in an Honor Flight, they are accompanied by a friend, family member, or volunteer. They depart Evansville Regional Airport around 5 a.m. and head to Washington, D.C.

From there, they visit the Korean War, Lincoln, Vietnam, and Air Force Memorials, take a bus tour of the National Mall, visit Arlington National Cemetery, and witness a Changing of the Guard ceremony. When they return home, they are greeted by a welcome home parade held in their honor.

Why This is Important for Veterans and Their Families

This May, my husband Jeremy will be accompanying his dad, Dave Sollars, on the flight out of Evansville. Dave is a Vietnam veteran. I asked him what this experience means to him. He told me that he's really excited to share the journey with his son, and spend time with a group of fellow Veterans who understand the burdens that come along with service.

For both of them, the trip is more than a visit to memorials. It's a chance to grow closer, come to terms with the past, and understand a big part of our family dynamic. It is a positive experience that will live alongside the dark memories of Vietnam. The Honor Flight fosters understanding, healing, and pride, not only for the veterans themselves but for the loved ones who stand beside them.

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Cost of Honor Flight and Fundraising Efforts

Honor Flight is provided free of charge to veterans, but each flight costs around $120,000 to host. The local hub must raise the funds to make each trip possible. There is a flight scheduled for this May, and volunteers are working to ensure all 86 seats are filled and funded.

How to Donate or Support Honor Flight

You can donate directly to Honor Flight of Southern Indiana. There is also a pork chop fundraiser happening this Saturday, March 21 at Pat Coslett’s Simplicity Furniture, located at 1309 N. Green River Road. Starting at 11:00 a.m., pork chop meals will be available for $10 and include a pork chop sandwich, chips, a cookie, and bottled water.

Volunteer Opportunities and Welcome Home Parade

Volunteers are also needed for the welcome home parade at 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, May 2 at Evansville Regional Airport. Students in grades 6 through 12 are especially encouraged to participate by helping push veterans’ wheelchairs.