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Rio Grande Honor Flight asks El Paso community for sustained funding, guardians and volunteers
Summary
Rio Grande Honor Flight leaders described the program's therapeutic impact for veterans, said each veteran flight costs about $35,000 (full trips ~ $75,000 when guardians and crew are included), have two flights a year and roughly 120 veterans on the waiting list, and requested sustained sponsorship and guardian recruitment.
Denise LaBeouf, representing Rio Grande Honor Flight, told the Veterans Advisory Committee the nonprofit provides free trips to Washington, D.C., that many veterans described as "healing" and a long‑overdue welcome home.
LaBeouf and volunteer coordinator Elaine Prickett said Honor Flight depends on sustained funding and volunteers. They reported each veteran‑only flight costs about $35,000; when guardians, crew and full trip expenses are included the total can approach $75,000. Dennis Prickett, the board chair, said the organization runs two flights a year, has roughly 120 veterans on a waiting list and aims to have funds in the bank to cover the next flight before committing to it.
Speakers asked for multiple forms of support: corporate sustaining sponsorships (examples of $5,000 per flight or larger single sponsors), individual guardianship (often younger veterans who push wheelchairs and pay their own way unless sponsored), and community‑wide homecoming support so returning veterans receive a visible welcome at El Paso Airport. The group described recent equipment investments (20 new wheelchairs) and cited prior major sponsorships (Oscar Laser/Hyundai) as examples of community partners who covered full trips.
Several veterans who participated in Honor Flight spoke directly to the committee. Joe Ortiz recounted Vietnam service and said the reception on return to the U.S. during an Honor Flight was profoundly affecting; other veterans and family members described reduced PTSD symptoms and renewed pride after the trip.
LaBeouf asked the city and committee to consider sustained sponsorship and introductions to potential partners and emphasized the need for guardians and volunteers to escort veterans on flights. She also encouraged outreach to under‑represented groups of veterans, especially women, and suggested targeted outreach and imagery to increase women veterans' participation.
