About Missions of Honor

Old Glory Honor Flight was founded in 2009 in Appleton, Wisconsin, by a dedicated group of local volunteers who shared a deep passion for honoring veterans. Their goal was simple yet profound: to open an Honor Flight hub serving Northeast Wisconsin and give World War II veterans the opportunity to visit the memorials built in their honor. Many of these heroes had never been able to see their memorial in Washington, D.C., due to health, mobility, or financial challenges—and our founders were determined to change that.

Our very first mission took flight on October 17, 2009, carrying 97 World War II veterans to our nation’s capital. Watching their faces light up as they stood before their memorial was both humbling and unforgettable. That day strengthened our commitment to honoring our veterans and became the foundation for everything that followed. 

In 2023, many of those same community leaders founded Missions of Honor—again based in Appleton—with the goal of expanding our reach to a new generation of veterans. Born out of a growing awareness of the mental health challenges faced by America’s heroes, we recognized the need to create experiences that foster reflection, connection, and healing. Through programs like the Freedom to Liberty: A Mission of Healing Retreat, we began offering opportunities for veterans to find peace, reconnect with their battle buddies, and take the next step on their journey toward healing.

Later that year, our first Freedom to Liberty Retreat brought veterans of the Global War on Terrorism to New York City for three nights of reflection and renewal. Participants visited the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the Statue of Liberty, and the Freedom Tower, while hearing directly from 9/11 first responders and distinguished veterans—including a Medal of Honor recipient—who shared their stories of hope, resilience, and faith. The experience proved transformative—with many participants taking meaningful steps toward improved mental health and forming lasting connections with their peers.

Recognizing the shared mission, values, and community roots between Old Glory Honor Flight and Missions of Honor, we made the decision to merge the two organizations, with the merger set to be finalized in early 2026. This union strengthens what we already do best—honoring, connecting, and healing—while giving us greater flexibility to respond to veterans’ needs as they evolve. It allows us to expand our reach through special missions, home visits, and the Mission Medical Corps, while combining leadership, resources, and volunteer power. It isn’t about changing our mission—it’s about amplifying it. 

Today, we’re proud to say that we’ve served well over 8,000 veterans from Northeast Wisconsin and beyond—through missions to Washington, D.C.; Pearl Harbor; Normandy, France; Vietnam; New York City; and more. We’ve also hosted visits to the traveling Vietnam Wall, The Highground, and the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial. Yet even with all we’ve accomplished, we know there’s more to do. We’re just getting started.