The High Plains Honor Flight (HPHF) is part of the Honor Flight Network, a national network with the following mission: to celebrate America’s veterans by inviting them to share in a day of honor at our nation’s memorials in Washington, D.C. at no cost to the veterans. HPHF had their fourth Honor Flight in April. Over 800 veterans, press, and dignitaries attended the sendoff at The Ranch in Loveland.
Retired USAF Col. Skip Johnson
The HPHF continues the legacy of the former Honor Flight of Northen Colorado, who flew nearly 3,000 veterans on two annual flights to D.C. since 2008. Each Honor Flight normally carries over 120 veterans and 60 guardians and medical staff.
During the sendoff ceremony, special thanks to the banquet providers, bus transportation by Colorado State University and Eyre bus lines, United States Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard, United States Air Force Vocalist, keynote speaker Retired USAF Colonel Skip Johnson, Guardians, HPHF Board of Directors, and Sentinels.
HPNF had an amazing escort by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Assn, local law enforcement, and a helicopter escort with many bystanders waving or saluting at the veterans in the bus caravan. Thanks to Allegiant Airlines, the Northern Colorado Regional Airport, BWI International Airport in Baltimore, and BWI Hilton for lodging!
Memorial visits in D.C. included Arlington National Cemetery, WWII Memorial, Air Force Memorial, Iwo Jima Marine Corp Memorial, Lincoln Monument, Vietnam Wall, and the Korean War Memorial. The Honor Flight veterans on the flight back receive a Thank You letter from students at different schools.
For veterans to be qualified, they need to have served in the United States Military in any capacity during the different foreign wars and to have an honorable discharge. Candidates who participated in WWII, Korea War, Vietnam War, and any Purple Heart Recipient from any era are chosen from oldest to youngest. If you are a veteran or have a veteran relative, consider applying for this prestigious honor at https://highplainshonorflight.org.