Operation Welcome Home

Tuesday, September 23 & Tuesday, October 7

Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Plane Lands (Estimated): 9:00 PM

*Bring your family, your posters, and cards to show these Veterans just how much you appreciate their service to our country!

PLEASE REVIEW ALL THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION LISTED BELOW TO ENSURE YOU HAVE THE BEST EXPERIENCE AND ARE NOT TURNED AWAY

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

🇺🇸 You're Invited to the Welcome Home Celebration! 🇺🇸
Join us in honoring the Veterans returning from Mission 27 and Mission 28 at our NEW Welcome Home location! We ask that you allow our volunteers time to set up and respect the doors open time of 7 PM as our volunteers cannot start setting up until after the last flight of the day departs.

📍 New Location (updated as of 8/16/25):
Sioux Falls Regional Airport - Ticketing Area (DO NOT ENTER THE TERMINAL UNTIL 7 PM)
2801 N Jaycee Ln
Sioux Falls, SD 57104

🅿️ Parking Information:
Feel free to utilize any parking lot or the new parking garage located at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport. Please be sure to budget extra time for parking prior to and after the event has concluded. We ask that you allow our volunteers time to set up and respect the doors open time of 7 PM as our volunteers cannot start setting up until after the last flight of the day departs.

🚫 Important Rules for Attendees:
To ensure the safety and comfort of everyone and in following regulations in the terminal, please note:

  • Do NOT try to claim a spot prior to 7 PM (respect the time and space of our volunteers as they cannot start setting up until after the last flight of the day departs)

  • No lawn chairs (we will provide chairs for those that need them - personal wheelchairs or scooters are OK)

  • No coolers (we will have bottled water available for a donation to Midwest Honor Flight)

  • No weapons (this is an active airport and all regulations in place by the FAA, TSA, and Sioux Falls Regional Airport Authority still apply)

  • Stay in your spot for ALL Veterans until they are dismissed and don’t cross the lines (each Veteran deserves to see the full parade)

✈️ Merchandise Available:
Midwest Honor Flight merchandise, including Midwest Honor Flight Welcome Home posters, will be available for purchase on-site starting at 7 PM—be sure to stop by and grab a keepsake! Merchandise will close when our flight is about 30 minutes out from landing to give our volunteers time to pack everything up so they too can take part in the Welcome Home celebration. Our Merchandise is available online at www.midwesthonorflight.store, excluding posters.

⚠️ 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.

We are excited to host this celebration in a new venue that allows us to better serve our Veterans and attendees. Let’s give our heroes the homecoming they deserve—your cheers, flags and posters, and heartfelt support mean the world!

Welcome Home FAQ’s

  • Our plan was to host the celebration at Maverick Air Center’s hangar, but due to some operational conflicts that were originally arranged — including the ADA ramp we planned to use no longer being available — we’re making one more adjustment.

    The Welcome Home Celebration will now take place in the lobby and ticketing area of the Sioux Falls Regional Airport. This location ensures accessibility for all and will allow us to continue giving our heroes the welcome they deserve.

  • Please meet at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport 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 the exit of the terminal to link up with the start of the indoor parade route. You 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. You are welcome to do a drive by the terminal at the conclusion of the event with your bikes but there will not be any formal escort arranged.

  • 🅿️ Parking Information:
    Feel free to utilize any parking lot or the new parking garage located at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport. Please be sure to budget extra time for parking prior to and after the event 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. The Welcome Home celebration takes place on active airport grounds. Due to FAA regulations and safety protocols at the terminal, 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.

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

  • Yes, restrooms are available in the terminal.

  • 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.

Still have questions?