Central Missouri Honor Flight Prepares for Final Journey to Washington
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI – The Central Missouri Honor Flight (CMHF) program is preparing for its final journey to Washington, D.C. on Monday, marking the end of a 16-year effort that has flown more than 5,500 veterans to reflect at their memorials.
A Tradition of Service Since 2009
The first CMHF trip took off in 2009, offering World War II veterans the opportunity to visit the monuments built in their honor. Over time, the program expanded to include Korean and Vietnam veterans, providing what organizers call a day of gratitude, celebration, and healing.
Monday’s trip will be the 71st flight, closing a chapter that has defined veteran recognition in mid-Missouri for over a decade.
Fewer Veterans, But the Same Mission
CMHF Vice President Steve Paulsell said the mission remains unchanged: to honor veterans with dignity.
“Monday is about this honor flight. It’s not about the last, it’s not about the history. It’s we need to give these guys and gals what we’ve given everyone else,” Paulsell explained.
While early flights were filled with WWII veterans, most have since passed. Today’s flights feature mostly Vietnam-era veterans, and for the first time, the final flight is not completely full.
“We normally take anywhere from 75 to 95 veterans on a flight, and I haven’t been able to do that. In fact, this flight’s not totally full,” Paulsell added.
Final Flight Details
The charter flight will leave St. Louis Lambert International Airport early Monday morning, with about 115 to 120 people onboard. Of those, 74 are Vietnam veterans, one is a Korean War veteran, and the rest are caregivers and staff.
Support from the community has been central to the program’s success. The 2023 radiothon with Zimmer Radio and 93.9 The Eagle raised more than $127,000 to support the mission.
A welcome home celebration for the veterans will take place at Columbia’s Courtyard by Marriott on Sunday, September 28, from 2–4 p.m., and the public is invited to attend.
As the final flight approaches, CMHF leaders thanked the countless volunteers, businesses, and community members who made the program possible. For more stories on veteran initiatives and community efforts, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.