Mission 27 of the Midwest Honor Flight marked a milestone for the nonprofit, debuting both a new airline partner and a new style of homecoming celebration — changes designed to keep the program strong while honoring its veterans with the same unforgettable experience.
Switching Airlines: JetBlue Steps In
Earlier this summer, Midwest Honor Flight announced on social media that it would be switching its airline provider to JetBlue.
The decision stemmed from ongoing scheduling challenges. While the Washington, D.C. portion of the fall missions was already booked, the organization could not secure the necessary charter flight to align with its tight itinerary.
Midwest Honor Flight President and CEO Aaron Van Beek explained:
“Scheduling is a big thing. I would love to have things planned out a year in advance, but post-COVID, when we were flying with American Airlines, working with their charter department, it was all a bidding process. Unfortunately, they couldn’t offer the flights that we had for our time slot at Arlington [National Cemetery], our buses, our tour guides and all the things we need to get in place.”
That’s when JetBlue stepped up.
- JetBlue agreed to handle both fall flights
- The airline is already discussing 2026 dates with the organization
- Van Beek praised the collaboration, calling it “such a great experience”
A New Kind of Welcome Home
Mission 27 also introduced a change in the welcome home celebration.
Instead of the traditional event at the Sioux Falls Arena, the celebration took place inside the lobby and ticketing area of Sioux Falls Regional Airport.
- Friends, family, Honor Flight alumni, and community members lined the airport, turning the arrival into a parade-like walk for veterans.
- The move saved nearly $7,000 per flight, according to Midwest Honor Flight’s social media post.
- Sioux Falls Regional Airport went “above and beyond” by accommodating the event and providing complimentary parking for veterans, guardians, and crew.
Van Beek noted that while the arena partnership was appreciated, rising costs made the airport option both practical and meaningful.
A Different Kind of Impact
For the veterans themselves, the change created powerful moments.
“It’s a different wow factor from the arena, but I had at least five veterans tonight already say, ‘This was so meaningful that I got to shake so many people’s hands and them saying welcome home,’” Van Beek recalled.
He added that for many, this personal interaction provided the closure they had been waiting decades to receive.
“Everything we do is an intentional purpose on getting respect, honor and closure to our veterans. The community showed up and the families showed up to give these veterans a welcome home that they never got fifty years ago.”
✈️ Bottom line: With JetBlue as a new partner and a heartfelt celebration at the Sioux Falls airport, Midwest Honor Flight Mission 27 balanced necessary changes with its unwavering mission — to give veterans the honor, respect, and closure they deserve.
