Lisa Holmes, The Heart of Minot
Entrepreneur, classic car enthusiast, and Honored Veteran, George Masters, began his military career at Minot Air Force Base in 1972, and had “the privilege” of being an invited guest on the acclaimed Honor Flight in 2023 that flew out of Bismarck. In 2025 the Honor Flight will depart from Minot International Airport on April 27th.
This time George’s role is one of 40 volunteers. Honored Veterans, numbering 105 plus 25 requested Guardians, will be joined by a medical staff, counselors, logistics personnel, and 44 wheelchairs (just in case.) Each volunteer has a specific assignment providing safety and companionship to the Guests of Honor.
The 6:30 a.m. flight out of Minot will carry the precious cargo to DC where luxury motor coaches will be waiting to transport them in style as they visit several war memorials dedicated to all branches of service including the Vietnam/Korean, Iwo Jima, Air Force and Pentagon 9/11 Memorials. Each destination will include a step-on guide to provide some history at each stop. Opportunities will include disembarking for closer looks, photos and heartfelt memories. Veterans will also witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier that leaves them moved with shared pride and a deep sense of meaning. The busy day ends with a banquet honoring the guests and a key-note speaker, Lt. General Bruce “Orville” Wright, an Arlington VA guest.
Every part of this event is 100% sponsored by corporate and private donations of $200,000 that must be met even before the flight can be scheduled. Ever-increasing costs are the charter flight of $125,000, hotel/banquet/meals $40,000, ground transportation/incidentals $10,000, plus Honor Flight clothing $25,000…veterans need never reach for their wallets for anything other than memorabilia.
The return flight to Minot will arrive back in Minot the evening of April 28th .
The Honor Flight network was founded in 2005 so that veterans can visit, without cost to them, to visit and reflect on the memorials dedicated to their service.
Visit westernndhf.org if you would like more information about the organization or to be part of the welcoming congregation upon the veterans’ return to Minot International Airport on April 28th.
