63 Oklahoma veterans from 31 communities will be honored during October 19–20 mission
TULSA, Okla. — Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight is preparing to honor 63 Oklahoma veterans during Mission 13, beginning with a Send-Off Celebration on Monday, October 19, followed by an all-expense-paid Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, October 20.
The veterans will spend the day visiting the memorials built in recognition of their service before returning home to a well-deserved Welcome Home celebration.
Generations of Oklahoma Service
Mission 13 represents veterans from 31 communities across Oklahoma and all five major branches represented on the roster:
· 26 Army
· 18 Navy
· 14 Air Force
· 6 Marine Corps
· 2 Coast Guard
Some veterans served in more than one branch.
Their service spans generations, including World War II, Korea and Vietnam, with the overwhelming majority of Mission 13 veterans having served during the Vietnam era.
Together, their military careers represent decades of service at home and around the world—and countless stories that Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight is committed to honoring and preserving.
Hundreds More Are Still Waiting
Since 2017, Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight has provided Oklahoma veterans with the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. at no cost to the veteran.
But more than 300 Oklahoma veterans remain on the waiting list, making time one of the organization’s greatest challenges.
“Every mission is a celebration, but it also reminds us how many veterans are still waiting. These men and women have already waited decades for this kind of recognition. Our goal is to keep flying as often as we can so we can reach as many of them as possible while they are still able to make the journey.” — Anthony Balderaz, Flight Director, Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight
Flights are made possible entirely through donations, sponsorships, fundraising and volunteer support. With Mission 13 approaching and another flight planned for April 2027, continued community support is essential.
MISSION 13 SEND-OFF
Monday, October 19, 2026
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tulsa, OK
Ceremony begins with the Parade of Patriots at 6pm
The public and media are invited to help send these Oklahoma heroes off in the manner they deserve.
MISSION 13 WELCOME HOME
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Tulsa International Airport – Concourse A
Arrival will be approx. 8 p.m.
The public is encouraged to bring family, friends, neighbors, signs, and patriotic flags to help welcome these veterans home.
To donate, volunteer or learn more, visit oklahomawarriors.org.
Media Contact: Shanahan Ramos Board Member, Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight shanahan.ramos@gmail.co
