State Rep. Paul Jacobs, a veteran himself of the U.S. Navy, provided official certificates to each of the participants to help commemorate their special experience on May, 18, 2026.
“On this Mission 16, there will be 88 veterans touring Washington, D.C. for the day, before returning to a warm welcome by volunteers and community members,” explained Jacobs. “If you have not experienced this community event yet, you need to attend and support these men and women who served our great nation. This year is special because America is 250 in 2026.”
The welcome home event at the Marion airport on Monday, May 18 is free to attend for everyone, and a chance to show gratitude for the servicemembers’ sacrifice with banners and signs.
Food trucks will be set up and serving starting at 5 p.m.
Organizers say there will also be live music from Dave Simmons and Freedom Sings songwriters throughout the evening.
The formal welcome home ceremony starts at 9:45 p.m.
According to organizers, on-site parking at the airport is limited. The public is encouraged to use the free park-and-ride service from Sam’s Club and Cornerstone Church in Marion. Buses leave about every 20 minutes starting at 5 p.m. at no cost.
As of January 6, there are 435 veterans are still on the waiting list for this special honor flight experience. People can go to veteranshonorflight.org to apply as a veteran or guardian, register as a volunteer or donate money to the cause.
Learn more about this Mission from the Rachel Grubbs article KFVS TV here.