Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Area announces April 2027 trip for veterans

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Area has announced the date for its next trip to Washington, D.C., giving local veterans another opportunity to visit memorials honoring their military service.

The nonprofit organization’s sixth mission is scheduled for Saturday, April 17, 2027.

Since beginning its missions, Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Area has taken more than 380 veterans to the nation’s capital through five previous trips.

The organization provides eligible veterans with all-expenses-paid visits to Washington, D.C., where they can see the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.

Who can apply?

Veterans who served before 1975 are encouraged to apply, along with veterans from any service era who are living with a life-limiting illness.

Combat service and overseas deployments are not required to participate.

For the upcoming mission, priority will be given to veterans who served during World War II, the Korean War era and the Cold War before the Vietnam War, as well as critically ill veterans from any era.

Other eligible veterans will be placed on a waitlist for a future flight based on when their applications are received.

The organization says its waitlist for Vietnam-era veterans is growing rapidly and encourages eligible veterans to apply as soon as possible.

Guardians needed for April mission

Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Area is also looking for guardians to accompany veterans on the trip.

Guardians serve as one-on-one escorts, sometimes called “battle buddies,” helping veterans throughout the journey and ensuring they have a safe and comfortable experience.

Veterans and prospective guardians can find eligibility requirements and applications here.

Community welcome-home celebration planned

The organization also plans to hold its annual Operation Mail Call and a welcome-home celebration at Wilmington International Airport on April 17.

Operation Mail Call gives community members an opportunity to show their appreciation for veterans participating in the mission.

Additional details about how residents can participate in both activities will be announced closer to the flight date.

Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Area was established in 2020 as a local hub of the national Honor Flight Network.

The all-volunteer nonprofit relies on donations, sponsors and volunteers to provide the trips at no cost to participating veterans.

Information about volunteering, donating and upcoming activities is available online.