January 2026

Rio Grande Honor Flight recognizes New Mexico veterans with trips to memorials in Washington, D.C.

Throughout the spring, summer and fall, groups of veterans from across the United States board an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., to visit the national memorials and monuments created in their honor. To date, more than 280,000 veterans have made the journey.

The Rio Grande Honor Flight, serving Southern New Mexico out of Las Cruces, began in 2008 and has transported almost 600 veterans to Washington, D.C. It is one of 126 Honor Flight hubs nationwide and one of two serving our state, the second being in Albuquerque.

Rio Grande Honor Flight takes two trips each year, with roughly 35 veterans from around Southern New Mexico on each. Veterans on the flight are from all over the state.

Once in the capital, the group visits the World War II Monument and seven war memorials, laying wreath after wreath in honor of their fellow servicemembers who perished in battle. Today, most Honor Flight participants are Vietnam veterans. Because of the jeers and taunts they received when they returned home decades ago with their visible and invisible wounds, a visit to the Vietnam Memorial can cause intense trepidation.

“All we wanted was to be thanked for serving our country,” says Las Cruces resident Perry Ashby, 75, who served in the Air Force in Vietnam in the late ’60s. Perry was on the 13th Honor Flight in 2022.

Before visiting the memorial, the Honor Flight group assembles on a hill overlooking it. There, they are reminded how meaningful their service was during the war, and all accompanying Rio Grande Honor Flight members hug each soldier.

For many of the veterans, the trip is the most meaningful opportunity they have had to pay tribute to their comrades. Several will rise from their wheelchairs and salute with tears in their eyes. Many leave the memorial free of the grief they have carried for decades.

“One soldier told me his visit to the wall left him feeling that, for the first time since his service, he was able to breathe again,” says Elaine Prickett, operations coordinator and videographer for every Rio Grande Honor Flight since 2014.

Children on school trips shake the hands of each veteran, look them in the eyes and thank them for their service.

“Many veterans tell me the recognition they receive from students is especially gratifying,” Elaine says.

Throughout the trip, the veterans share stories about their service that have never been told before. The bonding that occurs is palpable, and many return home for the first time comfortable with sharing the same experiences with their families.

As veterans wait at the airport to board returning flights home, they are handed a thick packet of handwritten letters personally addressed to each of them.

“I had letters from family and everyone else I have ever known and from people all over the United States, who I had no idea who they were,” Perry says. “It was a ‘blubber fest.’”

A Flight of Thanks

Rio Grande Honor Flight recognizes New Mexico veterans with trips to Washington, D.C., memorials

A group of the Rio Grande Honor Flight contingent at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Washington, D.C.
PHOTOS BY ELAINE PRICKETT, RIO GRANDE HONOR FLIGHT

When arriving back in Las Cruces, the veterans expect to be picked up by a family member. But as they deplane, the concourse is lined with American flags as they pass applauding people throughout the terminal. A procession of American Legion flag bearers and active-duty servicemembers representing all the armed forces leads the group. A pipes and drums corps plays bagpipes, while spouses, siblings, children and grandchildren wait along the sides of the procession.

“We hear that they have waited decades for this type of welcome. What I hear most is that it is all they ever wanted—that it has been among the best days of their lives,” Elaine says.

Perry admits when he registered for the Honor Flight, he was simply interested in seeing Washington, D.C., and did not think much else. That changed on the journey.

“When I got home, I called Elaine the next day and told her whatever she needed in the future, I was available,” he says.

Now, Perry is on the Honor Flight Board of Directors, and his wife oversees recruitment and the organization of guardians.

“Anytime I see someone wearing a hat or shirt signifying they are a veteran, I tell them about the program and encourage them to register,” Perry says. “For me, after 50 years, it was the kind of recognition and welcome home I had always hoped to receive. I have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder from what I had seen in Vietnam, and after the Honor Flight, I felt like a giant stone had been lifted off my back.”

Honor Flight Q&A

Who can go on an Honor Flight?
World War II and terminally ill veterans are given priority, followed by Korean War and Vietnam War veterans.

What if a veteran is unable to walk or if there is a medical emergency?
A wheelchair is provided for every veteran who needs one, and a doctor and medical staff are along on each flight.

What memorials are visited?
Memorials visited include the Air Force Memorial, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery during the changing of the guard and many more.

How much does a veteran pay for an Honor Flight?
There is no cost to the veteran. Flights are funded by donations from individuals, corporations, schools, veteran organizations and other groups.

To apply for a New Mexico Honor Flight, contribute or learn more, visit riograndehonorflight.org and honorflightnorthernnm.org.