For 110 veterans, their journey of healing begins Tuesday, June 18, when Central Missouri Honor Flight (CMHF) No. 58 leaves Columbia.
A news release says CMHF’s 58th mission departs Columbia at 1:45 a.m. and returns to an inspiring open-air homecoming at 9:30 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott in Columbia parking lot. The buses return under Missouri State Highway Patrol escort along I-70 from Kingdom City to Columbia. The I-70 escort to Columbia from Kingdom City also is in conjunction with area law-enforcement agencies and Central Missouri Honor Flight Riders.
Honor Flight No. 58 features veterans from the Korean War and Vietnam War- flying at no cost thanks to the generosity of those who donate to the all-volunteer organization. They will enjoy a one-day tour of the WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Marine Corps Memorial, Air Force Memorial, Women in Military Service Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. At the Tomb of the Unknowns they will witness the Changing of the Guard.
The public is encouraged to arrive at Courtyard by Marriott at 3301 Lemone Industrial Drive at approximately 8:45 p.m. to enjoy the inspirational flag ceremony in the hotel parking lot and to get a good view of the returning veterans.
More than 300 veterans remain on the waiting list for upcoming honor flights. CMHF has safely flown more than 5,000 veterans to the nation’s capital since the organization was founded in 2009. Since then, more than $4 million in donations have been raised to make these flights happen. If you would like to contribute or apply to assist as a volunteer, go to www.centralmissourihonorflight.com. It costs $300 to sponsor an Honor Flight veteran.