If not, he would’ve gone back on the waiting list. However, Clifton said of the more than 70 veterans who participated in the June 29 flight, most were from the Vietnam era, with “about a half dozen” from the Korean War era.Ĭlifton is one of several area veterans who have participated in an Honor Flight through this program over the recent years.Ĭlifton was selected from a waiting list and said he was fortunate that he was able to travel that day. Veterans are flown on a “first-come, first-served basis.” Top priority is given to senior veterans – World War II survivors, along with other veterans of Korea and Vietnam who may be terminally ill. Over 2,300 veterans have taken the flight using this program. This marked the 40th flight for the Central Missouri Honor Flight program since its inception in 2009 and fourth flight this year. The day of June 29 started early, at around midnight, for Clifton.
He recommends that any Vietnam veteran take this opportunity. “It was very humbling,” said Clifton, a Vietnam War veteran, who will be turning 68 later this year. The program’s mission is to transport America’s veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices and return them back to central Missouri within 24 hours. Imagine seeing the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, National World War II Memorial and more all within less than a day - and for free.Īrea resident David Clifton recently got to do so, thanks to the Central Missouri Honor Flight program, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.
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