Local Veterans Join Honor Flight on Father’s Day

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Missouri veterans found recognition and closure during an Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C., where they visited war memorials and paid tribute to fallen comrades.

Why it matters: The Honor Flight provided an opportunity for veterans to reflect on their service, connect with fellow veterans, and receive the recognition they deserve for their sacrifices.

The details:

• The veterans traveled from Columbia, Missouri, to Washington, D.C., on a journey that lasted over eight hours.
• At the Vietnam War Memorial, veterans searched for the names of those who didn’t come home, evoking a range of emotions from laughter to silent reflection.
• Honor Flight volunteers helped veterans locate specific names on the memorial wall, which are listed in chronological order by death.
• Upon returning home, the veterans were greeted by friends and family waving American flags, signs, and glow sticks at the Courtyard by Marriott in Columbia.

What they’re saying:

• “It’s an emotional night for me. It reminds me of the day he came home all those years ago,” said Darlene Miles, whose husband Jack participated in the Honor Flight. “After 65 years, it still brings tears to my eyes.”
• “I love my country and wanted to have a small part in keeping it safe so that other generations could enjoy the freedoms that I have enjoyed,” said Willie Caughlan, a veteran who served in Vietnam, Germany, Korea, and at home. “I was honored to serve.”
• “There are no words to say what the Honor Flight meant to me and to have my son with me… there are just no words,” Caughlan added.

For many veterans, the Honor Flight was an unforgettable experience that allowed them to pay tribute to those who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The bottomline: The Honor Flight provided a powerful opportunity for veterans to find recognition, closure, and a sense of camaraderie with their fellow service members while honoring the memory of those who never made it home.

Full story

Six local veterans had the opportunity to participate in a special Honor Flight over Father’s Day weekend in 2024. Richard Bradigan, James Higginbotham, Darwin Mays, Steve Johnson, Clifford Murphy, and Jerry Stahl were among the veterans who traveled to Washington D.C. to visit war memorials. The trip began with a reception at the Fenton History Center on June 13, hosted by the Fenton’s Vets Finding Vets program.

The veterans and their families attended the event before boarding a van that afternoon. Members of the Legion Riders presented each veteran with a check for $150 to use in honor of their service and provided an escort to Dunkirk or Fredonia. Barb Cessna, who is involved with the Vets Finding Vets program, pointed out that four of the veterans were able to travel with their sons, making the Father’s Day weekend even more special.

The group attended a meet and greet that evening, followed by a breakfast buffet the next morning before flying to Baltimore. From Baltimore, the veterans boarded two chartered buses for two days of tours through the War Memorials, National Mall, Arlington National Cemetery, and sightseeing around Washington. They returned home on Saturday evening, just in time for Father’s Day on Sunday.

local veterans’ special honor flight

The veterans shared their thoughts on the experience, with many expressing their appreciation for the opportunity to see the memorials and connect with other veterans. Richard Bradigan was impressed by the uniqueness of the memorials and the dedication of the volunteers who made the Honor Flight possible.

Darwin Mays found the Vietnam Wall and Arlington Cemetery particularly meaningful, while Steve Johnson was surprised by the reception they received upon returning to the Buffalo airport. Jerry Stahl, who had personal reasons for wanting to go on the Honor Flight, was moved by the World War II memorial, as his father had been a POW during that war. James Higginbotham learned about the Honor Flight through his local legion and enjoyed the camaraderie with other veterans.

He described the trip as well-planned and the monuments and memorials as enjoyable. Clifford Murphy credited his son with handling the paperwork that allowed him to go on the flight. He found the experience overwhelming, especially since he had not received a proper welcome when returning from the Vietnam War.

Murphy appreciated the opportunity to travel with his son and praised the organization of the trip. The Honor Flight provided these veterans with a memorable weekend dedicated to honoring their service and sacrifice, creating lasting memories for all involved.