An Important Update Regarding Patriot Flight Mission #32

This letter was sent this evening to all those who sent in applications for the October 7th flight, Mission #32. Sean

Dear Patriot Flight Veteran, Guardian Applicants and Friends,

I am writing to you personally tonight to provide an important update regarding Patriot Flight Mission #32, which was tentatively scheduled for this October 7th, 2026.

As President of Patriot Flight Inc., my highest responsibility is ensuring that every flight we operate is fully funded, safe, and delivered with the honor you the veteran deserves. Today, August 31st, marked our strict financial cutoff date to lock in aircraft charter contracts for an October flight.

Our community has shown incredible heart—we have raised nearly $25,000 since April, including an overwhelming $10,000 in mail-in donations that arrived just this past week. However, even with that tremendous effort, we remain about $15,000 short of what is required to cover the full cost of a mission today.

Our Plan: Mission #32 Moves to April 2027

Rather than compromise on the quality of the experience or take on financial risk, we have taken immediate action to protect this flight:

1. Mission #32 is Moved to April 2027: I have already spoken directly with our charter airline and secured our deposit, transferring it straight to our spring 2027 flight.
2. Your Spot is 100% Guaranteed: You do not need to reapply. Every veteran and guardian application submitted for Mission #32 is automatically rolled over and locked in for April.
3. Guardians & Applications: All guardian applications, payments, and veteran-guardian pairings remain intact and confirmed.

Options for Veterans Wishing to Fly This Fall

We know how eager our veterans are to visit their memorials, especially our Vietnam War era heroes who make up nearly 97% of this flight roster. If you or your veteran prefers not to wait until April and would like to see if a seat is available on a flight this fall, we fully support you.

You may contact our neighboring regional hubs to inquire about their upcoming autumn flight schedules:

• Leatherstocking Honor Flight
  • Website: www.leatherstockinghonorflight.org
  • Phone: (607) 643-1262
• North Country Honor Flight
  • Website: www.northcountryhonorflight.org
  • Phone: (518) 578-8388

(Veterans, If you choose to fly with a neighboring hub this fall, please know we still look forward to honoring you in our special Patriot Flight way next April.)

Looking Ahead to April

Our entire volunteer board and team are dedicated to using these coming fall and winter months to bridge that remaining $15,000 gap, continue our fundraising campaigns, and give you the proper thank you and welcome home you earned decades ago.

If you have any questions, address changes, or medical updates between now and the spring, please reach out to me directly at (518) 872-0812 or at lyonssean@ymail.com

Thank you for your understanding, your patience, and your service to our country. We look forward to honoring you in April!

With respect and gratitude,

Sean