Honor Flight of the Ozarks Will Depart October 21

The local hub prepares its third and final veteran flight mission of 2026 from Springfield-Branson National Airport.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Air Travel

Screen-print poster illustration showing a leather aviator cap and a blank luggage tag, evoking a sense of heritage and veteran tribute. — Honor Flight of the Ozarks prepares to transport 183 passengers, including 81 veterans, to national memorials in Washington, D.C. on October 21. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Honor Flight of the Ozarks is set to conduct its final mission of the year on October 21, 2026. This trip will transport 183 passengers, including 81 veterans, to visit national memorials in Washington, D.C.

Why it matters

The program provides veterans with an opportunity to visit the national memorials in Washington, D.C. as a way to honor their service and sacrifice. The mission is part of an ongoing effort to recognize the bravery of those who served.

The upcoming flight mission serves a total of 183 passengers, including 81 veterans, and is supported by guardians who pay a $600 fee to participate. There are currently 652 veterans remaining on the waiting list for future flights.

The players

Honor Flight of the Ozarks

This organization is one of 134 regional hubs within the national Honor Flight Network.

Honor Flight Network

This national non-profit has honored over 339,000 veterans through its network of hubs across 43 states.

The details

The organization begins intensive preparation 20 weeks in advance of each mission to coordinate a full day of activities in Washington, D.C. Each mission includes a 3 a.m. military roll call at the airport before the group travels to the nation's capital to tour sites including Arlington National Cemetery.

February 2013: Honor Flight of the Ozarks was founded.
May 2014: The first Honor Flight occurred.
July 7, 2026: The 30th Honor Flight mission was completed.
October 21, 2026: The third and final 2026 mission occurs.

Travel Outlook

The local chapter operates as one of the 134 independent hubs that follow the national standards and protocols established by the Honor Flight Network. This mission aligns with the broader seasonal cycle of flights conducted by hubs across 43 states throughout the year.

Prospective volunteers or family members of veterans should coordinate with the organization months in advance given the 20-week preparation timeline for each mission. Guardians interested in participating must be prepared to cover the $600 trip fee.

The takeaway

The Honor Flight program continues to be a vital way for veterans to connect with their history and service. Families interested in having a veteran honored should visit the organization's website to check the status of the current waiting list.