In 2018, Alison Huber’s father, an Army veteran who served in intelligence during the Cold War, took an Honor Flight from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Washington, D.C. Her brother accompanied him, and Alison arranged to surprise them in the capital. The day stayed with her. Back in Greensboro, she set out to bring Honor Flight to the Triad. She sought advice from the Cincinnati organizers, worked with the national organization, and incorporated Triad Honor Flight in early 2020. After forming a board, she began raising awareness by selling “thank you, veterans” yard signs. The organization’s first flight departed PTI Airport on Veterans Day 2021.
Today, Triad Honor Flight takes veterans from nine local counties on a day trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor. The organization typically makes two trips each year, though its board added a third in 2026 to help address a long waiting list. More than 800 veterans remain on that list.
The organization generally selects veterans by era of service, with priority given to those who are terminally ill. They need not have served in combat, nor overseas, to be honored. For Alison, that matters. She recalls a World War II veteran who had worked in a clerical role and questioned whether he deserved to go. Triad Honor Flight’s answer is clear: everyone who served honorably is welcome here.
At every send-off, Grimsley High School JROTC members hold up a large American flag as the veterans walk beneath it toward the security gate. The Grimsley marching band plays as they pass, which is a touching moment when a younger generation honors the veterans and recognizes their service.
Alison and her team plan each trip carefully. It’s a memorable, whirlwind day. Depending on scheduling, veterans may visit Arlington National Cemetery for the changing of the guard and a wreath-laying ceremony, then travel to the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam Veterans memorials, the Marine Corps War Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial.
What stays with veterans varies. Arlington holds particular meaning for many, Alison says. For Vietnam veterans, the experience can be especially emotional. The welcome home in Greensboro can draw a crowd of nearly 1,000 people waving flags and cheering as the veterans return. There may be singers, dancers, mascots, DJs, and bagpipers. “While the morning is more intimate, the welcome home is a celebration,” Alison says.
But it takes a lot more than a plane ticket to make the day possible. A chartered flight costs about $125,000 when transportation, meals, clothing, and other expenses are included. Donations, sponsorships, grants, and fundraising events enable the veterans to travel at no cost to them. Guardians pay their own way, and a medical team travels with the group. Volunteers help coordinate the flights, accompany veterans, and create the send-off and welcome home celebrations.
“It really takes a huge group of people to put it together. I’m just one person,” Alison says. “I’m very blessed to work with a lot of different individuals and groups that all want the same end result: honoring our veterans.”
Alison, who calls herself the organization’s “Chief Passionate Volunteer,” also keeps in touch with veterans beyond flight day. One of the veterans on Triad Honor Flight’s first mission, Payne Stafford, is now 103. She has seen how much it means to hear veterans’ stories and recognize their service.
This mission is truly Alison's passion. "It brings me so much joy. I often joke that I get paid in hugs and smiles," she reflects. Above all, Alison hopes that every veteran returns knowing that their community loves them and supports them, and that their sacrifice was worth it.
Help Honor Our Veterans
If you are a veteran who would like to take part in a future flight, visit triadhonorflight.org to apply. The website also has applications for prospective guardians who can accompany veterans and volunteers who want to help with flights and events. Triad Honor Flight also welcomes personal donations and corporate sponsorships to help cover the cost of these trips. With hundreds of veterans still waiting for their opportunity to go, every contribution of time or financial support helps give them a day of recognition, connection, and a heartfelt welcome home.