Operation Welcome Home

1️⃣ Charter Provider Change – Our new charter partner, JetBlue, has different logistical needs, and the hangar setup better supports their operations since they do not have regular operations at the terminal.

2️⃣ Rising Costs – Our expenses at other venues have increased significantly in addition to all charter quotes we received for this fall. We are also aware of the Sioux Falls Arena not being an option anymore for any events in the near future. Moving to the hangar allows us to stay efficient and continue providing a great experience for our Veterans on each Mission without needing to spend more of your donated dollars on each flight.

3️⃣ Time – Our flight time is one of the longest one-day charters in the Honor Flight Network. We want to make sure our Veterans, Guardians, and Crew have the best experience possible while keeping everyone’s safety in mind. With the move from the Arena to the Hangar, we will eliminate the need for a shuttle from the Airport and thus give everyone an extra hour to travel home with family or get much needed rest back at the hotel.

Please meet at Maverick Air Center by 8:30 PM. There will be no escort, the plane will arrive and we are requesting your groups create a "line of flags" from each entrance of the plane to the entrance of the hangar. You will be on the tarmac and will have to park your motorcycle (should you choose to ride it to the event). We are scheduled to land at 9 PM but want you all in the area early in case we land early.

Please park at the South Dakota National Guard in their gravel lot – located just north of the Maverick Air Center. Shuttle service will be provided to and from the Welcome Home area, or you are welcome to walk the short half-mile distance. For those with ADA permits, you will be allowed to park in the lots near Maverick Air Center. Please be sure to budget extra time for parking prior to the event and after the ceremony has concluded.

Great question! While we want everyone to be comfortable and enjoy the event, there are important safety and logistical reasons for these restrictions:

• Lawn Chairs & Coolers:
  The Welcome Home celebration takes place on active airport grounds. Due to FAA regulations and safety protocols at the hangar, outside items like chairs and coolers are not permitted. We will have chairs for those that need them and bottled water on site for a donation.

• Balloons:
  Balloons—especially helium—pose a serious risk inside the hangar. If released, they could interfere with the hangar’s fire suppression system, which is extremely sensitive and costly to reset or repair if triggered.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation to ensure a safe and respectful event for all!

Yes, restrooms are available in the hangar.

All ages are welcome—this is a celebration for the whole community!

⚠️ Please Note: Midwest Honor Flight is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to honoring our nation’s Veterans by providing this trip of a lifetime. We reserve the right to refuse entry or remove any individuals who appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or who engage in inappropriate language, political debates, or behavior that goes against our mission of Respect, Honor, and Closure.