In the spring of 2005, something remarkable began in Springfield, Ohio. Earl Morse, a Physician Assistant and Retired Air Force Captain, was working at a VA clinic when he had an idea that would change lives. The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. had just been completed and Earl knew many of the senior veterans he served might never get a chance to see it. So he invited 11 of his fellow private pilot friends to join him, each taking one of his WWII patients to D.C. with two stipulations: The veteran paid nothing, and the pilots served as escorts in D.C. In May of 2005, the first Honor Flight trip took place and by the end of that year, 137 WWII veterans had made the trip to Washington, D.C.

Then in late 2005, Jeff Miller, a business owner in North Carolina who was inspired by Morse, had a similar idea but on the largest scale possible – he wanted to charter commercial jets. He formed Honor Air and began flying large groups of local WWII veterans on charter jets. By the end of 2006, Honor Air had flown more than 300 WWII veterans to their memorial. In February of 2007 Morse and Miller met in Washington, D.C. at the first “Summit” and merged into what is now known as the Honor Flight Network -- a movement that would soon capture the nation’s hearts.

At the close of 2023, nearly 300,000 American veterans of WWII, Korean, and Vietnam wars have taken part in an Honor Flight. Among them are over 1,850 veterans from Western Washington, thanks to Puget Sound Honor Flight, which was formed in March 2013. The organization's inaugural trip took place in October of that year, during a government shutdown. Despite the obstacles—including having to move road barriers to provide bus access—the trip of all-WWII veterans was an overwhelming success. Nearly every veteran on that first flight said the same thing: “It was the best weekend of my life.”

Since then, four times a year, veterans from Western Washington gather at Sea-Tac Airport for a three-day journey they will never forget. Thanks to Alaska Airlines, they are treated with the utmost care from start to finish. These trips are still completely free for the veterans—a long- overdue “thank you” for their service to our country. During their time in the D.C. area, the veterans visit a dozen memorials and monuments, each standing as a testament to their service and sacrifice—including the WWII Memorial, Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, Korean Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery, where over 400,000 souls rest. These hallowed sites evoke deep emotions. At Arlington, the veterans witness the solemn Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a moment that often brings tears to their eyes.

Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of each veteran is the highest priority. Each is accompanied by a Guardian—whether family or volunteer, a dedicated individual whose sole responsibility is to ensure their veteran returns home safely and in good spirits. These Guardians pay their own way to accompany a veteran on this cathartic journey—a privilege they hold dear. For many veterans, the trip offers something more than just memories. It provides a chance to share stories they have kept locked away for decades, and to find solace among others who understand their pain. This is especially true for Vietnam veterans, who often returned home to a country that did not welcome them. For them, the words “thank you” are like a balm for wounds that have festered for years.

One veteran, Mr. L., summed up his experience: “I am unable to explain the relief I now feel from the Vietnam unwelcomed veteran syndrome.” Others echoed his sentiment. Mr. P. said, “Your efforts and dedication are giving veterans the acceptance they need, the dignity they are due, the validation they crave, and the closure they deserve.” Another veteran, Mr. J., shared, “I never felt welcomed home from the Vietnam War until my trip. I am at peace now and free. Thank you so very much!”

By the end of 2024, Puget Sound Honor Flight will have completed 38 trips, with four more scheduled in 2025. None of this would be possible without the incredible support of an all-volunteer board, medical staff, photographers, and a logistics crew who ensure every detail is precisely planned. Each trip is a monumental effort, costing approximately $1,000 per veteran.

This is where you come in. Your tax-deductible donation, whether individual or corporate, makes these trips possible. If you are a WWII, Korea or Vietnam era veteran, or know someone who is, please visit www.pugetsoundhonorflight.org to learn more and apply. And if you feel moved to support this mission, consider donating or volunteering. Every dollar brings us closer to giving another veteran the best weekend of their life.

To learn more, contact: Denise Rouleau / 206.390.5830 / drouleau@honorflight.org Board Member / Puget Sound Honor Flight National Board Member / Honor Flight Network