Early the morning of September 30, 83 WWII, Korean, and Vietnam veterans—along with their 78 guardians—departed from RST on the second North Star Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. The day-long journey was filled with unforgettable experiences, deep gratitude and moving moments of connection.
One of those aboard was Ron Moore of Rochester, an 82-year-old U.S. Army veteran who served in Germany. Ron’s daughter, Melissa Helgason, accompanied him as his guardian. Melissa shared a lighthearted memory from last year, when her dad called to see if he could volunteer as a guardian on a flight. When asked his age, he replied “81,” and learned he was too old, since guardians must be 70 or younger.
For Ron, the highlight of the trip was twofold: spending the day with his daughter and witnessing the solemn Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery. There, they had the chance to speak with a sentinel who had just completed his 711th and final walk before heading to Georgia to begin a career in law enforcement.
Throughout the day, veterans were treated with honor and respect. Upon landing in Washington, D.C., their plane received a water cannon salute from the fire department, and inside the airport, travelers (who Helgason notes were “total strangers”) stood and clapped as the group entered. The veterans visited several significant memorials, including the WWII Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery.
Melissa reflected on the experience: “I was so overwhelmed with how great the veterans were treated all day. Throughout the day, it was all about them and their comfort… My favorite part—aside from spending a day with my dad—was all the excited chatter on the plane ride home by all the vets and their guardians. No one was sleeping!”
Melissa reflected on the experience: “I was so overwhelmed with how great the veterans were treated all day. Throughout the day, it was all about them and their comfort… My favorite part—aside from spending a day with my dad—was all the excited chatter on the plane ride home by all the vets and their guardians. No one was sleeping!”
Late that night, the group returned to Rochester, where they were welcomed home by a crowd waving flags, cheering, and holding signs. Families, friends, and community members filled the terminal to give their heroes the reception they deserved.
The Honor Flight program provides all-expense-paid trips for veterans to visit the nation’s capital, reflect at the memorials dedicated to their service, and feel the gratitude of a thankful nation. North Star Honor Flight, founded in 2024, serves nine counties in Minnesota and five in northern Iowa, and is run entirely by volunteers. For Ron Moore, the memories of Mission 2 will last a lifetime—including the simple joy of sharing such a meaningful day with his daughter.
