Two Marshall County veterans recently experienced an unforgettable journey as part of the latest Midwest Honor Flight, a program that flies veterans to Washington, D.C. for a day of recognition, remembrance, and gratitude.
Ray Johnson of Britton and Don Borgen of Veblen were among 83 veterans who participated in Mission 27, which took place on Sept. 23. The day-long trip allowed them to visit national memorials dedicated to their service and to receive a heartfelt welcome home decades after their time in uniform.
The Midwest Honor Flight, part of the national Honor Flight Network, recognizes American veterans for their sacrifices by flying them to Washington, D.C. at no cost to visit their memorials. To date, the Midwest branch has completed 28 missions and flown thousands of veterans from across the region.
Ray Johnson
For 95-year-old Ray Johnson, who turned 95 this week, the Honor Flight was more than just a trip. It was a celebration of service and memory.
Johnson served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict in the early 1950s. He spent two years at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station and later served aboard a ship in the Boston area as well as on the Battleship Iowa.
“I had heard about the Honor Flight a while ago,” said Johnson. “My daughter encouraged me to do it. I backed out once, but I thought it would be a trip you’d always remember, so I did it. And it was wonderful.”
Johnson was one of only five Korean War veterans on Mission 27. He was accompanied by his son Bruce Johnson, also of Britton, who served as his guardian. Bruce is a Navy veteran himself.
“It was really special to be able to go with my dad,” said Bruce. “The way everyone treated the vets was great.”
For Ray, several moments during the whirlwind day stood out. “Arlington Cemetery—I didn’t realize how huge it was,” he said. “And what really hit me was when a Korean family wanted to get their picture taken with me at the Korean Memorial. That was heartbreaking and touching.”
The Korean War Veterans Memorial, which features 19 stainless steel statues of soldiers on patrol, made a deep impression on both father and son. “The statues were looking right at you,” Bruce said. “It was powerful to see.”
Ray said he was moved by how many people in Washington stopped to thank the veterans. “I felt like a hero,” he said. “I’d recommend it to any vet, whether you were in action or not.”
When the flight returned to Sioux Falls that evening, hundreds of people were waiting at the airport and convention center to welcome the veterans home. “It was overwhelming,” Ray said. “You get off the plane, and there’s this huge crowd cheering and clapping.”
Don Borgen
For Don Borgen of Veblen, the trip was something he had been looking forward to for over a year. A U.S. Army veteran who served from 1970 to 1972 during the Vietnam era, Borgen was stationed in Massachusetts during his active duty and later spent time in the Montana National Guard.
He hadn’t been to Washington, D.C. since the 1970s, when he made a brief visit while serving in Virginia. This time, he was able to see the monuments and memorials through a different lens.
“I had been on the waitlist for a while, but it was worth it,” Borgen said. “It was really good, something I’ll always remember.”
Borgen’s guardian on the trip was Kathleen, a volunteer from Bath, S.D. “I had a great guardian, we became good friends,” he said.
The day began with a pre-flight banquet in Sioux Falls, followed by an early 3 a.m. wake-up call. “It was a fun evening,” Borgen said of the banquet, “and then the flight over was great.”
Once in D.C., the group visited numerous memorials and landmarks, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Korean War Memorial.
“The changing of the guard at Arlington was very moving,” Borgen said. “You get a different perspective when you’re standing there. It’s a very old, hilly cemetery, so much history.”
Seeing the Vietnam Wall was also powerful for Borgen. “I’d seen the traveling Vietnam Wall before, but this one was more impressive,” he said. “It really makes you stop and think.”
He added that everyone they encountered in D.C. was supportive and respectful. “People thanked us everywhere we went,” he said. “It was awesome, worth the trip.”
When the veterans returned home that evening, the welcome they received left a lasting impression. “It was great,” Borgen said. “So many people were there cheering. I’d encourage anyone who served to go. It’s something you’ll never forget.”
About the Honor Flight
The Midwest Honor Flight is based in Sioux Center, Iowa, and serves veterans from South Dakota, northwest Iowa, southwest Minnesota, and northeast Nebraska.
For more information or to apply for a future flight, veterans can visit midwesthonorflight.org, call (605) 215-1319, or mail inquiries to Midwest Honor Flight, P.O. Box 22, Sioux Center, IA 51250.
