Utah Honor Flight's 55th mission left Provo before dawn

DVIDS reported Utah Honor Flight's 55th mission as complete after a before-dawn departure from Provo Airport on April 7, 2026. Volunteers from around the state met dozens of veterans from the Korean War, the Cold War, and the Vietnam era. The Utah chapter, part of the national Honor Flight network, began in 2013. It flies veterans to Washington to visit memorials built for their service. The trip is provided for them, not billed to them.

Director Stephanie Harmon said the staff tries to get the small things right, including travel, medical support, and the stops in Washington. Some travelers also receive medals or other recognition they did not get when they served. The places on a typical mission include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery. The report said the visit to the National Mall is often the part veterans remember most.

Kevin and Bob Capito, a father and son who both served, were among those leaving. They said they had been looking forward to it. Volunteer Emily Montgomery, who has worked with the program for nearly six years, said the point is to give veterans a welcome many of them did not receive when they first came home. The chapter's trips last about two days. DVIDS said returning groups are met by crowds at the airport.