The Land of Lincoln Honor Flight (LLHF) is set to embark on its final 2023 mission, Mission #69, on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. The mission will be a day of gratitude for veterans, with 94 veterans from various eras, including 2 World War II veterans, 10 Korean era veterans, and 82 Vietnam era veterans, slated to come from towns across Illinois and Missouri.
The veterans, accompanied by their dedicated guardians, will gather at the airport at an early 4:00 AM to board a chartered Sun Country 737 aircraft destined for Washington DC. Their journey will include visits to the World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War memorials, as well as stops at Arlington National Cemetery Tomb of the Unknowns, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Air & Space Museum, the US Marine Corps Memorial, and the US Air Force Memorial. Notably, this day of honor will be provided to the veterans at no cost.
Joan Bortolon, LLHF President, has expressed her gratitude, stating, "This mission will honor veterans from all three eras. We are especially privileged to include two of our country’s most senior veterans who served in World War II.”
The heroes will return to Springfield airport at 9:30 PM on the same day, where the public, friends, family, and LLHF alumni veterans will be encouraged to join in welcoming them home. Bortolon will urge, "Please come to the airport to give our veterans the welcome home they earned, deserved, and never received.” Free parking and volunteer assistance will be provided to ease access to the airport.
As the 2023 flying season concludes, LLHF will eagerly anticipate its 2024 season, scheduled to begin in May. Bortolon will emphasize, "We encourage any World War II, Korean Era, or Vietnam Era veteran to apply now." Priority will be given to seriously impaired or terminally ill veterans. Veteran and Guardian Applications can be obtained on the LLHF website.
LLHF, a non-profit organization, will continue to operate solely through donations, sponsorships, fundraising events, and community support. With an administrative cost of approximately 1%, nearly every dollar raised will directly support flight costs for veterans.