VFW Post 3838, in partnership with The Wake Foundation, will host a Veterans Honor Flight Send-off Event on March 27, 2025, at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, to honor a group of 50 local veterans and their guardians embarking on a trip to Washington, DC, where they will visit national memorials and monuments dedicated to their service - all at no cost to them. Hosted by the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport and open to the public, this honorary flight was made possible through the generosity of Contour Airlines, which has donated two planes for the special occasion.

Public Invitation to Attend Veterans Send-off Event
Thursday, March 27, 2025
9:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Cape Girardeau Regional Airport

The send-off will feature various activities designed to celebrate these veterans and honor their sacrifices. Guests will witness a moving procession organized by the Avenue of Flags, hear patriotic songs sung by the Clippard Elementary Choir, and enjoy community tributes expressing heartfelt thanks. Furthermore, the veterans will be treated with light refreshments, receive thank-you letters, and experience other thoughtful gestures of appreciation. Scheduled to depart at 11:30 a.m., the Honor Flight’s launch will be an inspiring moment, bringing the community together to honor these individuals.

"Our veterans have given so much to protect our freedoms, and it's an honor to be part of an event that recognizes their sacrifices," said JoJo Stuart, Airport Manager. "The Cape Girardeau Regional Airport has a proud history of service, starting in 1942 as Harris Field, a training ground for Air Force pilots. Honoring our local veterans directly ties to the legacy of this airport and its role in supporting those who have served our nation. Less than 1% of World War II veterans are still alive today, and over 100 pass away each day, so it’s more important than ever to recognize their contributions while we still can."

This event underscores VFW Post 3838’s commitment to improving the lives of veterans and their families, while fostering opportunities for the community to celebrate and honor those who have served. Similarly, The Wake Foundation, through its Honor Flight missions, remains committed to providing veterans with meaningful experiences to reflect on their service by visiting the nation’s capital. To learn more, visit The Wake Foundation.

Donations to support the Honor Flight can be made on the VFW’s website by selecting "Honor Flight." Every dollar raised goes towards providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a deserving veteran.