Local veteran honored on trip to Washington
Wes Roberson, center, is pictured with his wife, Penny, and his son, John, following Wes and John’s return from an Honor Flight of the Ozarks trip to Washington, D.C.
Ava area resident and retired Air Force veteran Wesley “Wes” Roberson recently returned from an Honor Flight of the Ozarks mission to Washington, D.C., where he visited memorials honoring the service and sacrifices of America’s veterans.
Roberson, a Vietnam veteran, traveled with his son, John Roberson, who served as his guardian throughout the trip. John is also an Ava area resident and retired Air Force veteran. The G.L. Adrain Owen VFW Post 5993 Auxiliary sponsored John’s participation as his father’s guardian.
Auxiliary President Anita Holt and Gail Huffman joined Post Commander Billy Joe Holt and VFW State Commander Scott Huffman in welcoming the father and son home at Springfield-Branson National Airport.
Roberson was also welcomed home by his wife, Penny. The couple has been married for 50 years.
“It was an honor to have a small part in this event,” the auxiliary shared. “Thank you to John for allowing our auxiliary to sponsor him as his dad’s guardian.”
The returning veterans were greeted during an Honor Flight Welcome Home Celebration held Tuesday, July 7, at Springfield-Branson National Airport. Community members were invited to wear red, white and blue, bring signs and help give the veterans a patriotic homecoming.
The public celebration included live music and food trucks and was hosted by Springfield-Branson National Airport, The Chop Shop Burger and Honor Flight of the Ozarks. Organizers connected the homecoming with the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and encouraged residents to honor the veterans whose service helped make the milestone possible.
Honor Flight of the Ozarks provides qualifying veterans with a one day trip to Washington, D.C., at no cost to the veteran. Trips generally include visits to the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Marine Corps War Memorial, Navy Memorial, Air Force Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
Douglas County veterans who served during World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam era or Desert Shield and Desert Storm are encouraged to apply. Veterans do not need to have served in combat or been deployed overseas to qualify. Those who served in the U.S. military, including the Reserves and National Guard, during an eligible period may apply.
Terminally ill veterans from any period of service receive the highest priority, followed by veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Each veteran must be accompanied by a guardian who assists throughout the trip, including at airports, aboard aircraft and buses and while visiting memorial sites. Veterans must be physically able to board the aircraft and bus and move into and out of a wheelchair with minimal or no assistance.
Honor Flight began in May 2005 when six small airplanes carried 12 World War II veterans from Springfield, Ohio, to Washington, D.C. As interest and the waiting list grew, the program expanded through the use of commercial aircraft and partnerships with similar organizations across the country.
Honor Flight of the Ozarks was founded in February 2013 and completed its first flight in May 2014. By May 29, 2024, the Springfield based hub had completed 23 flights and carried nearly 1,810 veterans to Washington, D.C. Three additional flights later that year transported another 242 veterans.
Organizers say one of the most effective ways residents can support the program is by telling eligible veterans about the opportunity. Many veterans may not realize they qualify because they did not serve overseas or in combat.
Applications for veterans, guardians and volunteers are available at honorflightoftheozarks.org. Paper applications are also available for those who prefer to apply by mail.
Veterans and guardians must have a REAL ID compliant driver’s license, an acceptable state issued identification card or another form of identification accepted by the Transportation Security Administration for domestic air travel.
For additional information, call Honor Flight of the Ozarks at 417-268-9052. The organization’s office is located at 2200 E. Sunshine St., Suite 204, in Springfield. Its mailing address is P.O. Box 3964, Springfield, MO 65808-3964.
