News Summary
Veterans across West Texas are gathering in Odessa for a send-off party before participating in the Permian Basin Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. However, a government shutdown may impact their visit to various memorials and museums. Despite the difficulties, the organizers express optimism, ensuring that veterans will visit significant memorials, including the newly renovated sites. The send-off party is anticipated to attract over 500 attendees, celebrating the sacrifices of those who served.
Odessa, Texas – Veterans from across West Texas are set to gather in Odessa for a send-off party at Fun Dome before embarking on the annual Permian Basin Honor Flight. This event provides veterans a unique opportunity to visit the memorials in Washington, D.C. that honor their service. However, the organizers are facing challenges due to a government shutdown, which has resulted in closures of certain parts of the capital just days before the flight.
The Permian Basin Honor Flight takes a full year to meticulously plan, making the late-breaking news of potential museum closures particularly disheartening for the event’s organizers. Concerns have been raised about veterans missing out on visiting significant places like the Army and Marine Corps museums. Officials recognize that these visits are a long-awaited experience for many of the veterans.
Wesley Smith, who serves as the Flight Director, expressed disappointment regarding the impact the shutdown may have on the veterans’ scheduled visits. Despite these challenges, Smith maintains a level of optimism, noting that the group will still be able to visit major memorials as planned, including some newly renovated sites such as the Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Memorial and the World War I Memorial.
Congressman August Pfluger, who represents West Texas, pointed out the importance of allowing veterans to see the monuments and the country they served. However, the uncertainty of the shutdown has raised questions about whether he will be able to meet with the veterans during their visit to D.C.
In a positive turn, officials from the Smithsonian Institution announced that they would remain open for an additional week despite the government shutdown, which will allow the Honor Flight group to stop at the Udvar-Hazy Space Museum. Plans for alternative visits to other significant museums, including the Holocaust Museum, Museum of the Bible, and the American History Museum, are also in place, ensuring that the veterans still have enriching experiences during their time in the capital.
The Permian Basin Honor Flight organizers have access to real-time updates from the National Honor Flight Network, equipping them to adapt their plans quickly in response to the ongoing situation. Smith underscored the determination of the West Texas community to provide veterans with a meaningful experience and a warm welcome that they may have missed in the past.
The Honor Flight Send-Off is scheduled for tomorrow, October 8, 2025, at the Fun Dome, with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. for veterans, guardians, and the public. The banquet will commence at 6:00 p.m. More than 500 attendees are expected for this occasion, which includes dinner, live and silent auctions, with Jay Hendricks serving as the emcee for the event.
The veterans are set to depart on the morning of October 9, 2025, for Washington, D.C., and will return in the evening on October 11, 2025. Coverage of the Honor Flight will be provided exclusively by the First Alert 7 News team throughout the trip, highlighting the significant moments experienced by these veterans during their journey.
The resilience of the organizing team and the commitment of the West Texas community reflect a strong desire to honor those who have served, regardless of the challenges posed by circumstances like the government shutdown. The upcoming send-off party is an expression of gratitude and recognition for the sacrifices made by the veterans.
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Additional Resources
- First Alert 7 News
- Wikipedia: Honor Flight
- KAAL TV
- Google Search: Permian Basin Honor Flight
- OA Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: World War I
- KOMU News
- Google News: Veterans Day Events
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