The national Honor Flight Network is expanding to Gulf War-Operation Desert Storm era beterans who served through July 31, 1991, based on Veterans Affairs established dates.

According to Honor Flight Network, Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial honoring more than 600,000 service members who deployed to help liberate Kuwait in 1991 will be dedicated this fall. Beginning in the 2027 flying season, hubs can begin bringing veterans who served between Dec. 7, 1941, and July 31, 1991.

Due to the high number of veterans currently on the waiting list, the Veterans Honor Flight of ND-Minn. will not yet be accepting applications from Veterans of Operation Desert Storm or the Gulf War era. At this time, its priority remains serving the veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War to ensure the oldest and most medically fragile veterans can experience their honor flight first.

When the Veterans Honor Flight of N.D.-Minn. is ready to begin accepting applications from veterans who served during Operation Desert Storm and the Gulf War era, an announcement will be made to notify the public and ensure those veterans have the opportunity to apply for a future Honor Flight.