A: No. At the present time, we have our WWII, Korean and terminally ill Veterans on our waiting list and many more who will apply this year. Our mission is to get to every deserving veteran in time. At this time we must save all seats for our veterans. The only spouses who are permitted to go are those who are veterans themselves. We've also found that the chance for our Veterans to go on this life changing flight with fellow Veterans and to be welcomed back home to their spouse/significant others has proven to be a more healing experience.

A: Once you've applied for a flight with Midwest Honor Flight, we keep your application in our system until you fly or until you inform us that you no longer wish to take an Honor Flight. Applying again will not increase your chance of going sooner.

ESTIMATED APPLICATION WAIT TIME FOR VETERANS:

WWII Veterans & Terminally Ill Veterans: NEXT OPEN SEAT

Korean Veterans & Peacetime Between WWII & Korea: NEXT OPEN SEAT FOLLOWING WWII VETERANS

Vietnam Veterans & Peacetime Between Korea & Vietnam: 2-3 YEARS

For Community Guardians, we do not have an estimated wait time as each flight's needs vary based on the Veterans who will join us. Watch your email for updates throughout the year for flight and training opportunities.

A: At the present moment, only the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials are complete in DC in terms of war memorials. There is also a long waiting list of Veterans from these eras who have not gotten the chance to be honored on a Mission. Until the memorials are complete for other eras, we will not accept applications as all Veterans only get one Honor Flight experience - it would make the most sense for the memorial to be complete before we begin this process. At this time, the only exception is for those who have been given a terminal prognosis. They can apply and will be flown as soon as possible.

The service dates that are currently being accepted are listed below:

WWII: December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946

Peacetime (Between WWII & Korea): January 1, 1947 – June 26, 1950

Korean War: June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955

Peacetime (Between Korea & Vietnam): February 1, 1955 – February 27, 1961

Vietnam War: February 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975

A: Beginning May 7, 2025, you must show a REAL ID compliant driver's license or ID card at the airport - this includes our flights. A REAL ID card has a STAR in the top right corner. If you do not have a REAL ID, you will need to show a different TSA-approved identity document (like a passport) to fly. REAL ID is the result of a nationwide federal act meant to protect you from terrorism and identity fraud. You can get a REAL ID card when it's time to renew your license/ID. If your license/ID has not expired, you will still need to get this REAL ID replaced at your local DMV.

A: The cost is FREE for our Veterans. You do not need to bring any money, unless you intend to purchase souvenirs.

A: Our CEO lives in Sioux Center. It is much easier to check daily for applications and donations at this location rather than in Sioux Falls. Your applications submitted to Midwest Honor Flight Applications at the PO Box 22 in Sioux Center, IA 51250 will put you on the wait list for flying from Sioux Falls, SD (FSD).

A: WHEELCHAIRS — Midwest Honor Flight provides all of the wheelchairs you may need during the trip, therefore we ask that you NOT bring your own. If you must bring your own wheelchair, please keep it stored at the Sioux Falls Sheraton. We will have wheelchairs ready for you that morning. Our buses in Washington, D.C. have lifts for those needing full assistance.

OXYGEN: If the veteran requires oxygen, a prescription for the oxygen must be provided by the veteran’s healthcare provider, identifying the delivery method (mask or nasal cannula), frequency (as needed or continuously), and the rate of delivery (2-3 liters per minute). Veterans on oxygen are required to have oxygen available from their home to Sioux Falls and also on the return back to their homes. No oxygen cylinders are permitted to be used on the aircraft - please contact your provider for FAA approved concentrators. A list of approved devices will be provided to the Veterans who have informed us of their oxygen usage.

​A: Veterans are flown on a “first-come, first-served basis.”

WWII and terminally ill Veterans have the top priority, then followed by those who served during Korea and the peacetime between WWII & Korea, then followed by those who served during Vietnam and the peacetime between Korea & Vietnam.

A: Our funding comes primarily from individuals across the great states of Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, and South Dakota who recognize the great accomplishments and sacrifices of veterans and want them to see their memorial before it’s too late. Other significant contributors have been fraternal organizations like local American Legion, VFW, Am Vets, DAV, MOPH, posts and chapters, as well as various corporations. We receive no governmental funding.

A: Certainly! 94 cents of every dollar donated to Midwest Honor Flight goes directly to getting our LOCAL Veterans from NW Iowa, the State of South Dakota, and SW Minnesota to Washington, D.C. at no cost to the Veteran. No funding is sent to our national headquarters. We receive no government funding – all funds are generated from grass roots efforts through community donations and corporate sponsors. As each flight is funded, we immediately schedule the next. You can donate by visiting our DONATION PAGE.

A: **All Family Guardians must submit application at same time as Veteran application to be considered**

No spouses or significant others are permitted to be on flight. Please visit the GUARDIANS page for specific requirements.

Who will or will not serve as an Honor Flight Guardian, and how many Honor Flight Guardians will be needed, is the sole responsibility of our volunteer Medical and Flight Directors. Guardian Training and a minimum donation (which is will be announced at selected time) is required. We reserve the right to refuse any individual as a Guardian - this day is about our Veterans and their safety is our number one priority.

​A: Sadly, the answer is “no”. Adding spouses and widows simply isn’t an option for our program at this time.

A: We fly from and return to the Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD). We appreciate their continued financial and logistical support for each flight we have taken.

We do have an office at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance but it is by appointment only. Please CONTACT US to schedule a meeting if you are interested.