KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — HonorAir Knoxville, a nonprofit that works to honor veterans, plans to close after its final flight on April 8, 2026, it said Thursday.
HonorAir was founded in 2007 to fly World War II veterans to Washington, D.C. to see the memorial built to honor them. This later expanded to include Korea and Vietnam veterans. With its final flight in April, HonorAir said it will have tried to honor every eligible veteran in East Tennessee from those three wars who wanted to go. Any eligible veterans who wish to join this flight should apply online by February 16, the nonprofit said.
‘It’s wonderful’ HonorAir takes more East TN veterans to war memorials
HonorAir Knoxville has had 38 flights (plus three virtual flights) honoring over 4,500 veterans. This was supported entirely by volunteers.
“Our Board believes the organization has fulfilled — and exceeded — its mission,” said Eddie Mannis, President and Founder. “This is not an ending born of loss, but one rooted in completion, gratitude, and deep respect for what this community accomplished together.”…