Hailey
For more than 16 years, the Central Missouri Honor Flight (CMHF) has been dedicated to honoring American veterans by giving them the chance to visit Washington D.C. to see the memorials built in their honor.
Since its start, the program has flown thousands of heroes who bravely served during wartime. These trips were not just about travel but about respect, recognition, and healing.
Now, after nearly two decades of service, CMHF will complete its final mission. On Monday, September 15, 2025, the organization will make one last flight to the nation’s capital.
This journey will mark the closing chapter of a remarkable project that touched the lives of both veterans and their families.
Details of the Final Flight
This last flight will carry 70 veterans on a deeply meaningful trip. Among them are:
- 69 Vietnam War veterans
- 1 Korean War veteran
- 3 married veteran couples
These men and women will travel to Washington D.C. to see the memorials dedicated to their sacrifices. For many, it may be the first time they have been officially thanked by the public for their bravery.
Flight Schedule
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Departure | 1:45 a.m. | Columbia, Missouri |
| Flight Return | 9:30 p.m. | Columbia Courtyard by Marriott |
| Public Arrival Time | 8:30 p.m. | Columbia Courtyard by Marriott |
The flight will leave from Columbia in the early morning and return late in the evening. Families and the public are encouraged to gather early at the Columbia Courtyard by Marriott to welcome the veterans back.
Honoring the Veterans on Their Return
The journey does not end when the plane lands. After the flight arrives in St. Louis, the veterans will board buses for the final part of their trip back to Columbia.
Along the way, they will be escorted by the Central Missouri Honor Flight Riders, a group of motorcyclists who proudly ride in honor of veterans.
The escort will travel along Interstate 70 from Kingdom City, creating a powerful and emotional scene. At Columbia, the buses will stop beneath a giant American flag provided by the Columbia Fire Department, symbolizing the pride and gratitude of the entire community.
Public Participation
One of the strongest parts of every Honor Flight mission has been the community support. The final flight will be no different.
The public is invited to gather at 8:30 p.m. at the Columbia Courtyard by Marriott. Families, friends, and citizens can wave flags, cheer, and show their appreciation as the buses arrive.
For veterans who never received a homecoming after their service, this moment means everything. It allows them to feel the respect of their community and to know their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Why This Flight Matters
Since its first mission, CMHF has given thousands of veterans a gift many never thought possible—the chance to see the memorials built in their honor.
For Vietnam veterans in particular, this is especially meaningful, as many returned home decades ago without public recognition.
The final mission represents not only the end of the program but also the lasting reminder of how important it is to honor service and sacrifice. It shows future generations the value of respect, unity, and gratitude.
The final Central Missouri Honor Flight is more than just a trip to Washington D.C. It is a heartfelt tribute to 70 veterans who dedicated their lives to protecting freedom. As the last chapter of CMHF’s 16-year history, it reflects the organization’s commitment to honor and remembrance.
For the veterans, it will be a day filled with pride and healing. For the community, it will be a moment to stand together and say “thank you.” This closing journey will leave behind a legacy of respect, gratitude, and patriotism that will be remembered for years to come.