Mesa Veterans Will Travel to Branson in November

The inaugural Arizona Veterans Honor Tour trip for 28 participants is scheduled to take place from Nov. 15-19, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Military

Polished bronze military emblem on a textured sandstone monument in a high desert setting. — Mesa resident Nancy Fassbender organized the Arizona Veterans Honor Tour, which will send 28 community-focused veterans to Branson, Missouri, in November 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe public recognition motivates veterans to continue volunteering in their local communities?

Mesa resident Nancy Fassbender has organized an Arizona Veterans Honor Tour trip to Branson, Missouri, departing on Nov. 15, 2026. The five-day journey honors veterans who continue to serve their communities after their military service.

Why it matters

The program aims to recognize veterans who remain active in community service. The organization plans to make the trip an annual event for regional veterans.

The inaugural trip includes 28 people and is backed by a $10,000 contribution from the Disabled American Veterans. Nominations for future annual trips are reviewed by the board each March.

The players

Nancy Fassbender

She is the organizer of the Arizona Veterans Honor Tour and a veteran who served three years in the Army National Guard.

Disabled American Veterans

This is a non-profit organization that provides support and assistance to veterans and contributed $10,000 for the trip airfare.

East Valley Red Friday Patriots

This local group supports veterans and currently maintains 465 active members.

The details

Participants are selected based on community service, requiring nominees to submit two reference letters for board review. While veterans have their travel expenses covered, guests aged 21 and older are responsible for their own costs.

Nov. 15-19, 2026 marks the inaugural trip to Branson.
March is when the board reviews nominations for future trips.
Annually is the frequency planned for the veteran honor trip.

Political Context

This program follows the pattern set by the Honor Flight Network's model of transporting veterans to national memorials. Critics of such programs often argue that funding should prioritize direct medical support services over travel-related honors.

Local veterans interested in future travel opportunities can participate by submitting nominations during the annual review period in March. Applicants must demonstrate active community service to qualify for selection.

The takeaway

The Arizona Veterans Honor Tour emphasizes the importance of continued civic engagement among former service members. Residents can support these efforts by identifying local veterans who remain dedicated to community volunteer work.