This weekend, we celebrate our nation’s 249th birthday and reflect on the freedoms made possible by our brave founders and protected by the fearless members of our armed forces, past and present.
TSA teams across the U.S. play a significant role in celebrating our military war veterans through Honor Flights, which fly American veterans to Washington, D.C., to recognize them for their service and sacrifices.
Two World War II veterans participated in one of six Honor Flights scheduled in 2025 at South Dakota’s Sioux Falls Regional Airport. The WWII vets are 98 and 95 years young.
“With two WWII veterans participating, this flight was extra special,” proclaimed Sioux Falls TSA Manager Pat Slater. “Not many veterans from WWII are left, so seeing them being able to go and see their monuments was great.”
Each Honor Flight gives older veterans an up-close look at the memorials built in our nation’s capital in their honor.
This flight included 85 veterans – two from WWII, two from the Korean War and 81 from the Vietnam War.
“It was so heartwarming to see these veterans and their family guardians so excited for this trip, even at 3:30 in the morning,” noted Slater. “Lots of smiles and conversations. It was an opportunity for them to not only connect with old friends but to also make new friends.”
Sioux Falls Regional is part of TSA’s Screening Partnership Program with privately contracted screening officers but TSA oversight. Local management chooses military veterans from their staff to screen the vets and support the Honor Flights.
“Participating in the Honor Flights is a deeply moving and meaningful experience,” described Supervisory Transportation Security Officer Justin Kehn, who for the last 16 years has served in the South Dakota National Guard. “It’s a rare and powerful opportunity to honor the courage, sacrifices and service of the veterans, especially those from World War II, whose ranks are sadly growing fewer with time. These individuals served in a conflict that shaped the modern world, and their presence is a living link to history. It’s a reminder of the importance of preserving their stories and showing them, while we still can, what they have done and sacrificed for us all still matters.”
Transportation Security Officer James Donato is a veteran who served in the Navy from 2002 to 2014, mostly in the Middle East in Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn and Vigilant Mariner. Donato called the Honor Flight “uplifting.”
“It gives me hope to know our veterans are being recognized for their sacrifices,” Donato said. “It gives me comfort knowing we’re taking care of them and brings me pride that I can help them along their way. And it’s comforting knowing I might be part of this event one day. I look forward to it.”
“After a busy day of touring, the honored military veterans returned home to a large welcome home ceremony with family and friends,” Slater added. “Most of the veterans flying out of Sioux Falls are from South Dakota with a few from southwest Minnesota and northwest Iowa.”
As a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a TSA representative, South Dakota Federal Security Director (FSD) Tyler Johnstone said it is a tremendous honor for him to support the Honor Flight program.
“I cherish any opportunity to recognize and serve those who wore the uniform before me,” said Johnstone, who was a military working canine handler during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007. “Being surrounded by so many fellow veterans during this Honor Flight reminded me of the pride I have knowing, during my time in service, I was able to carry on their legacy.”
As the FSD, Johnstone’s responsibility was to ensure security screening was efficient and respectful while accommodating any special needs the veterans had.
“Our TSA team provided logistical support to ensure accessibility and worked closely with airline staff to facilitate a successful operation,” explained Johnstone.
Offering a final reflection, Donato said, “We veterans have a deep-rooted spirit of serving. We did what we did not for ourselves, not for recognition, but for the public. We also did it for each other, and that is where I like to be – still serving my fellow veterans. Thank you for the opportunity to continue to serve.”
By Don Wagner, TSA Strategic Communications & Public Affairs