Photos courtesy of Mid-Michigan Honor Flight

Genesee County, MI — It was with veterans like Roland Morsee in mind that the Genesee County Board of Commissioners recently approved funding for Mid-Michigan Honor Flight.

Morsee, a pilot and longtime Grand Blanc resident, served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Like many in his generation, Morsee remembers similar experiences on both sides of the Pacific.

“When we arrived (in Vietnam), it was clear that we weren’t welcome there,” he said. “And when we came home, and I’ve heard this from many of my fellow veterans, we faced a lot of opposition. (Many veterans) were not looked on favorably.”

Back in June, 57 years after Morsee was deployed to Vietnam, he boarded an airplane at Bishop International Airport in Flint as part of one of two Mid-Michigan Honor Flights in 2026.

Mid-Michigan Honor Flight is a nonprofit organization that honors Michigan veterans by providing them with a safe, memorable trip to Washington, D.C., where they can visit the national memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifices. The experience is provided free of charge to veterans, with trained guardians accompanying them throughout the journey, and priority is given to World War II and Korean War veterans, as well as veterans with terminal illnesses.

“Our common purpose as a Board is to make a positive impact on the lives of Genesee County residents,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Dale K. Weighill. “Supporting Mid-Michigan Honor Flight allows us to put that purpose into action by honoring our veterans, recognizing their sacrifices, and helping provide the welcome home they have always deserved.”

In July, the Genesee County Board of Commissioners approved $20,000 in funding to support the mission of Mid-Michigan Honor Flight and its ongoing partnership with the Genesee County Department of Veterans Services (GCDVS). Each flight accommodates up to 70 veterans in addition to Honor Flight guardians and support staff.

“These are more than just flights,” said Derrick Britton, retired Lt. Colonel of the Michigan Air National Guard and Director of GCDVS. “You’re providing them with closure. A lot of veterans didn’t receive that welcome home … and when they get home (from an Honor Flight), it’s a welcome like you’ve never seen before.”

Morsee said that during the flight, and especially on the journey to various landmarks across the nation’s capital, you can share experiences with people who understand what it was like and how those experiences have changed lives, for better or worse, forever.

“It gives you comfort to have those conversations,” said Morsee, whose work in aviation during the war allowed him to visit his brother, who was stationed in the north of Vietnam. “It’s very emotional, and there are times when you have to just walk away … it was so moving, so touching. It’s difficult to talk about.”

One of the most poignant stops during the visit to Washington D.C. is at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where the names of 58,318 Americans who gave their lives are carved into the black granite.

“There’s a sense of relief that you’re still here; a lot of us didn’t make it back,” he said.

Britton said that Genesee County’s support of Mid-Michigan Honor Flight is about serving those who have served us with more than just words.

“It’s our honor to help them continue this mission,” he said.

Bishop International Airport and Allegiant Airlines have been incredibly instrumental in the success of Mid-Michigan Honor Flight. Their support of Mid-Michigan Honor Flight continues to be an incredible blessing for so many veterans across the county and beyond.

“This has been a great partnership,” Britton said. “Both Bishop and Allegiant have rolled out the red carpet for our veterans.”

If you would like to support the mission of Mid-Michigan Honor Flight through donations or volunteerism, visit their website.