Midwest Honor Flight prepares to set off on 18th mission to Washington, D.C.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KTIV) – Monday night, dozens of veterans got together in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, ahead of the 18th Midwest Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

The veterans were treated to a sendoff banquet with their families before they head on their mission to our nation’s capital early Tuesday morning.

Midwest Honor Flight’s president and CEO, Aaron Van Beek, says their goal is to get as many veterans that served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam on a flight as they possibly can.

Thanks to donations, Midwest Honor Flight is able to give these veterans this experience for free.

“We strongly believe that if there’s a memorial dedicated in Washington D.C. to honor those that have served in those wars, it’s imperative that we get them out there before it’s too late so they can actually see and recognize the American people’s appreciation for their sacrifice,” said Van Beek. “Through the honor flights, it’s a priceless day for them, it’s a priceless experience; and free of charge for the veteran to go.”

These veterans will get to see the monuments and memorials to their service and sacrifice, like the World War 2 Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

The flight will depart from Sioux Falls around 5:30 A.M. Tuesday, and return around 9:00 P.M. that night.

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