Honor Flight program urges local veterans to share stories, inspire others

Honor Flight Columbus has taken more than 10,908 veterans on 148 missions to Washington, D.C. to see their monuments.

These facts were shared by Beth Johnson, executive director of Honor Flight Columbus, during the annual Honor Flight Luncheon Nov. 18. It was organized by the Coshocton County Veterans Service Commission and held at the senior center.

Johnson encouraged veterans who have gone on the flight to share their stories and said the trip is free for them.

“We still meet veterans who have never heard of Honor Flight,” she said. “That is why you who have gone on the trip play an important role. No one else can tell the story quite like you about how meaningful and life-changing the trip can be. Other veterans take notice about what you say.”

Honor Flight Columbus takes applications currently from veterans age 65 and up and served at least one day of full-time active duty outside of basic training or 20 or more years in the National Guard or Reserves.

“Those who served before 1961 or are terminally ill get first priority,” Johnson said. “There is a short waiting list after that.”

Ten missions are planned for 2026. Five will be held in the spring and five in the fall. Johnson said the schedule will be released at the end of December.

“Don’t let your health stop you from going,” Johnson said. “We’ve worked with a wide range of medical needs. Let us help you decide if the trip is possible.”

Those who are unable to fly can participate in the Honor Flight at Home Hero Salute. Staff and volunteers also can attend special birthday celebrations and make nursing home visits to honor senior veterans.

After Johnson’s presentation, Sharon Burns from the local Blue Star Mothers chapter presented her with a $1,000 donation.

“Honor Flight is very special to the Blue Star Mothers,” Burns said. “We help get you there the night before your flight and pay for dinner and a motel. A lot of us meet the flights when they come back to Columbus.”

She and Rosa Davis also presented Johnson with a $200 donation from the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary.

For more information on Honor Flight Columbus, visit www.honorflightcmh.org/ or call the veterans service office at 740-622-2313.