Change is on the horizon for south-central Wisconsin Veterans. Badger Honor Flight (BHF) is currently accepting applications from all heroes who served from December 7, 1941 to July 31, 1991. Veterans who served anywhere at any time, in any branch, and in any component (active, Reserves, or National Guard) during this window are considered eligible to fly.
As a regional hub of the national Honor Flight Network, BHF has opened its application process effective immediately. This expansion follows a historic shift in national eligibility guidelines. By broadening its criteria, Badger Honor Flight will directly honor a new generation of heroes. Veterans who served from May 8, 1975 through July 31, 1991 — an era previously ineligible for the program — are now welcome to apply.
This change arrives at a momentous time. On October 24, Washington, D.C. will officially dedicate the new Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial, permanently cementing this era of service to the nation. Badger Honor Flight proudly plans to incorporate this brand-new monument as an official stop for our heroes, beginning with the Nov. 7, 2026 flight.
PRIORITY TIERS AND FLYING TIMELINE
While applications for these newly eligible eras are being accepted right now, actual travel for these flights is scheduled to begin in 2027. Badger Honor Flight will maintain its long-standing commitment to honoring our most senior Veterans first. Many hubs across the country continue to maintain waitlists for these individuals. Ensuring these heroes can visit the memorials built in their honor remains the network’s highest focus, which is why BHF will utilize a structured tier system:
● Priority Tier 1: Veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and any individuals facing terminal illness remain the top focus for available flight seats.
● Priority Tier 2: Applications from the post-Vietnam and Desert Shield/Storm eras will be treated as a single group and processed collectively in the strict order they are received, rather than by specific service branch or date.
FALL 2026 FLIGHT SCHEDULE RELEASED
In addition to expanding future eligibility, Badger Honor Flight is officially announcing its upcoming Fall 2026 flying season. BHF will operate three dedicated missions this autumn:
● Saturday, September 12
● Saturday, October 3
● Saturday, November 7
These upcoming dates provide an immediate opportunity for eligible World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War Veterans to fly, while the organization simultaneously builds its roster for the 2027 flying season.
“Our core mission remains unchanged: ensuring our service eras can visit their memorials while they are still able to travel,” said Brian Ziegler, Badger Honor Flight Board Chairperson. “As we prepare for our upcoming Fall flying season, we encourage all eligible World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War Veterans to apply. Simultaneously, we are thrilled to open our doors to the post-Vietnam and Desert Storm generations, ensuring their service is honored and recognized.”
Badger Honor Flight is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, regional affiliate of the national Honor Flight Network. Based out of Madison, Wisconsin, BHF has flown more than 5,700 Veterans to Washington, D.C. since its inaugural flight on April 17, 2010.
The hub coordinates all amenities for our heroes — including chartered air travel from Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), ground transportation, meals, and other amenities — ensuring a safe, deeply meaningful day of honor and reflection.
Operating entirely as a 100% volunteer-run organization, each comprehensive, VIP mission costs approximately $140,000. Flights are provided entirely free of charge to Veterans, funded completely through community donations, corporate support, and local partnerships. Veterans from all eligible eras, as well as community members interested in volunteering or donating, can find application forms and more information at www.badgerhonorflight.org.
