Federal shutdown or not, the Central Missouri Honor Flight goes on.
The group - which flies World War II, Korean and Vietnam War veterans to see the memorials erected for their service in Washington, D.C. - will take 70 veterans from Callaway and surrounding counties on their planned Oct. 15 trip regardless of the shutdown over a budget stalemate in Congress that continues to leave the monuments officially closed to the public.
Mary Paulsell, president of Central Missouri Honor Flight, announced her plans for the group's 25th journey in a press release Thursday.
"We have made a pledge to these men and women who have fought for our freedoms," she stated in the release. "Our delegation will honor our commitment and fly on Oct. 15."
To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.