This Free Trip Is Changing How Montana Thanks Its Veterans

There are many things I’m proud of in my life. But serving on the board of directors for an Honor Flight Hub? That sits at the very top of the list. It’s not something I take lightly. It’s not something I ever expected, but it changed my life.

I grew up an Army brat. Supporting our military wasn’t just a belief; it was woven into dinner conversations, long goodbyes, and quiet worry. But joining the Honor Flight Network transformed that lifelong respect into something deeply personal, hands-on, heart-first, and life-changing.

From Gratitude at a Distance to Standing Beside Them

I had always supported veterans from a distance. Parades. Thank-yous. Fundraisers. Flags. But Honor Flight put me face-to-face with the men and women who bore the weight of our freedom on their shoulders.

READ MORE: 20 Years Since Montana Lost Lt. Josh Hyland

Standing beside veterans as they visit their war memorials in Washington, D.C. isn’t just meaningful, it’s overwhelming, in both the best and the hardest ways. You don’t just hear history. You feel it. You see it in their eyes and hear it in their voices when the memories come rushing back. Honor Flight didn’t just give me a role. It gave me friendships. Perspective. Gratitude. And a promise I’ll always keep. Serving veterans isn’t charity. It’s an honor.

A Mission Built to Honor Montana Veterans

Founded on January 4, 2024, Montana’s Continental Divide Honor Flight was created with one simple but powerful mission: to honor Montana veterans by giving them a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C., to see the memorials built in tribute to their service and sacrifice, at absolutely no cost to them.

Veterans visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the Air Force Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and other notable sites. These moments are deeply personal; for many, it’s the first time they’ve ever felt truly seen and appreciated for all they've carried home.

The True Cost of a “Free” Trip

While these trips are free for veterans, they are anything but free to run. Flights. Buses. Meals. Medical support. Planning. Logistics. All come with a hefty price tag. Like other Honor Flight hubs across the country, Montana’s Continental Divide Honor Flight relies entirely on donations, sponsorships, and community fundraisers to make these journeys possible. Every dollar raised directly impacts how many veterans can go.

The Heart Behind Every Honor Flight

What makes Montana’s Continental Divide Honor Flight truly special isn’t just the mission. It’s the people behind it. A licensed physician. Nurses. Pastors. Veterans. Mentors. Dedicated volunteers. And community members who simply feel called to serve. Everyone plays a role. Everyone shows up with compassion. Everyone is there for one reason: to honor veterans. They also partner with local businesses and organizations throughout Montana to make these trips possible, building a strong network of support rooted right here at home.

The Honor Flight That Gave Me a Friend

I will never forget my first Honor Flight. It brought me one of the greatest friendships of my life. On November 11, 2017, I joined a trip, believing I was there as a member of the media. At the very last second, I was pulled aside and asked to serve as the guardian for a World War II veteran named Joseph “Pep” Stulir. I said yes without hesitation.

Pep served in the United States Army and the Merchant Marines during World War II. While we were in Washington, D.C., he let me push him everywhere in a wheelchair. I treated him as if he were made of glass. Months later, I ran into him, standing on his own two feet, laughing as he admitted he never needed the wheelchair at all. Just a week before our trip, he’d climbed a ladder to clean his gutters. Pep played me. And I adored him for it.

Standing Together at a Turning Point in History

During the trip, we stopped at the Smithsonian. When we reached the Berlin Wall display, Pep asked me to pause. This was history that had shaped both of our lives in different ways, and he wanted us to take it in together. As I reached out and touched the wall, tears welled in my eyes. Pep reached for my hand and held it, squeezing gently until the moment passed. That’s Honor Flight. It’s not just about memorials, it’s about connection.

Powered by Generosity, Built on Service

Montana’s Continental Divide Honor Flight is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means all donations are tax-deductible. Because it is fully volunteer-run, every mission relies on the generosity of donors and supporters. Thanks to that generosity, many veterans have already experienced a trip they never thought possible. But so many are still waiting.

Ways You Can Help Honor Montana Veterans

There are so many ways to be part of this mission. If you know a veteran who has never visited their memorials in Washington, D.C., please help spread the word. Many veterans don’t realize they’re eligible for a free Honor Flight. Encouraging them to apply could change their lives.

If you’re looking to serve, Montana’s Continental Divide Honor Flight is also seeking guardians. Guardians pay to accompany veterans, walking every step of the journey with them, providing support, companionship, and care. It’s an unforgettable experience for both the guardian and the veteran.

Donations, sponsorships, and partnerships with Montana businesses also make a direct and meaningful impact, allowing more Montana veterans to take this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Backed by a National Network, Driven by One Mission

Montana’s Continental Divide Honor Flight operates with support from the national Honor Flight Network, the founding organization that has helped escort more than 200,000 veterans to their memorials since 2005. Together, they share a single mission: to honor veterans while they are still here to experience it.

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How to Reach Montana’s Continental Divide Honor Flight

To learn more about Montana’s Continental Divide Honor Flight, based in Deer Lodge, visit their website or call 440-773-7186 to speak with Mark or 406-490-0662 to speak with Bob.