(Photos courtesy of Talons Out Honor Flight)
Plans for Mission 28 are underway as Talons Out Honor Flight is scheduled to send over 80 southern Michigan WWII, Korean and Vietnam Veterans to Washington, D.C. for a visit to their memorials on May 16, 2026. The Mission will arrive at Reagan International Airport around 8am and will make six stops around Washington, D.C. including the WWII War Memorial Arlington National Cemetery to attend the Changing of the Guard, the Korean War Memorial as well as the Vietnam Wall Memorial.
“The Mission provided the forum for some of the kindest reflections I could ever have from people I love and respect, which told me that they respected what I did in the service. I never expected to hear that. You have marked my life with a joyous experience, that is kind of a wonderful closer, to an old scar.” Sgt E5 Rob K.
Residents can welcome home these heroes at the Air Zoo in Portage on Saturday, May 16, at 8 p.m. Talons Out Honor Flight is excited to partner once again with the Air Zoo for our Mission 28 Homecoming where Veteran organizations from all across southern Michigan will be on hand to welcome these heroes home.
Guests are asked to arrive at the Air Zoo no later than 8 p.m. in order to ensure the Homecoming goes smoothly. All guests are to use the E. Milham Ave. entrance to the Air Zoo.
This event is open to the public. Residents are encouraged to bring thank you cards, make signs, and come out and welcome home the nation’s heroes. The entire family is welcome for an event it will always remember.
Talons Out Honor Flight has served southern Michigan Veterans since 2012. It believes when a soldier takes their oath, they don’t take it for a two year or four year tour, or even a twenty year career. It’s an innate part of who they are for the rest of their lives. That if faced with a threat, no matter their age, a soldier is always at the ready to defend and protect.
It is a 100% volunteer driven organization with 98% of all donations funding Veteran flights. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations are tax deductible. Serving Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lenawee, Monroe, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. For additional information, call 269-273-4545, email info@talonsouthonorflight.org, or visit www.talonsouthonorflight.org.
Honor Flight Network is a national nonprofit organization comprised of 125+ independent hubs working together to achieve the shared Honor Flight mission celebrating America’s Veterans by inviting them to share in a day of honor at our nation’s memorials. In furtherance of this common goal, we have the enormous privilege of showing our nation’s Veterans the appreciation and honor they deserve. Participation in an Honor Flight trip provides Veteran’s the opportunity to share this momentous occasion with other comrades, remember the fallen, and share their stories and experiences with other Veterans. Honored Veterans always travel free of charge, thanks to generous donations to our organization.
Since its inception in 2005, Honor Flight has brought more than 300,000 Veterans to visit the memorials built to honor their service. While initially focused on America’s World War II Veterans, Honor Flight Network has expanded its mission to include those who served during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The Honor Flight TLC program also honors Veterans of any service era who are critically ill. Honor Flight Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a 4-star rating by Charity Navigator.
“The Mission provided the forum for some of the kindest reflections I could ever have from people I love and respect, which told me that they respected what I did in the service. I never expected to hear that. You have marked my life with a joyous experience, that is kind of a wonderful closer, to an old scar.” Sgt E5 Rob K.
Residents can welcome home these heroes at the Air Zoo in Portage on Saturday, May 16, at 8 p.m. Talons Out Honor Flight is excited to partner once again with the Air Zoo for our Mission 28 Homecoming where Veteran organizations from all across southern Michigan will be on hand to welcome these heroes home.
Guests are asked to arrive at the Air Zoo no later than 8 p.m. in order to ensure the Homecoming goes smoothly. All guests are to use the E. Milham Ave. entrance to the Air Zoo.
This event is open to the public. Residents are encouraged to bring thank you cards, make signs, and come out and welcome home the nation’s heroes. The entire family is welcome for an event it will always remember.
Talons Out Honor Flight has served southern Michigan Veterans since 2012. It believes when a soldier takes their oath, they don’t take it for a two year or four year tour, or even a twenty year career. It’s an innate part of who they are for the rest of their lives. That if faced with a threat, no matter their age, a soldier is always at the ready to defend and protect.
It is a 100% volunteer driven organization with 98% of all donations funding Veteran flights. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations are tax deductible. Serving Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lenawee, Monroe, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. For additional information, call 269-273-4545, email info@talonsouthonorflight.org, or visit www.talonsouthonorflight.org.
Honor Flight Network is a national nonprofit organization comprised of 125+ independent hubs working together to achieve the shared Honor Flight mission celebrating America’s Veterans by inviting them to share in a day of honor at our nation’s memorials. In furtherance of this common goal, we have the enormous privilege of showing our nation’s Veterans the appreciation and honor they deserve. Participation in an Honor Flight trip provides Veteran’s the opportunity to share this momentous occasion with other comrades, remember the fallen, and share their stories and experiences with other Veterans. Honored Veterans always travel free of charge, thanks to generous donations to our organization.
Since its inception in 2005, Honor Flight has brought more than 300,000 Veterans to visit the memorials built to honor their service. While initially focused on America’s World War II Veterans, Honor Flight Network has expanded its mission to include those who served during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The Honor Flight TLC program also honors Veterans of any service era who are critically ill. Honor Flight Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a 4-star rating by Charity Navigator.
