Midwest Honor Flight is making a major change in how local veterans are welcomed home — shifting from large arena ceremonies in Sioux Falls to a personal, parade-style greeting right inside the airport terminal.
Speaking on Sioux County Radio’s The Daily Grind program recently, Founder and CEO Aaron Van Beek said that when welcome-home events were held at the Sioux Falls arena, veterans without family present sometimes felt out of place. The new approach puts every veteran at the center of the celebration.
The change also creates a major cost savings — more than seven thousand dollars per flight — money that now goes directly toward sending additional veterans to Washington, D.C.
He says the memorials help veterans and future generations understand the history behind the freedoms Americans enjoy.
Midwest Honor Flight completed five flights in 2025, helping more than 2,400 veterans since its founding. With at least five more missions planned for 2026.
Veterans who haven’t yet gone can apply — and supporters can help send more local heroes — at MidwestHonorFlight.org.
The featured photo is courtesy of Aaron Van Beek (Midwest Honor Flight)
