Freedom Honor Flight is a La Crosse-based organization with a simple goal: giving our local veterans a day they’ll never forget. We started in April 2008, and our mission hasn’t changed since. We fly as many veterans as we can to Washington D.C., to see the memorials that stand in their honor. They don’t pay a cent.
In the beginning, time was the driving concern. World War II veterans were getting older, and we wanted every one of them to have the chance to see their memorial. Over the years, our work has grown. Today we also give priority to veterans of the Korean and Vietnam War eras, and we still welcome any World War II veterans who are able to join us.
For the veterans who go, it’s a lot more than a trip. It’s a deeply meaningful experience. It’s how we say thank you and show how grateful we are for what they gave to this country.
None of this happens without our community. Every flight is paid for by donations alone. We have no paid staff. Volunteers run the whole operation, handling everything from flight logistics and medical support to meals and activities along the way. As long as the financial support is there, we’ll continue flying veterans.
