EDITOR'S NOTE: If you'd like to help us send off our Honor Flight vets on June 2nd, send an email to news@bourboncountymonitor.com with HONOR FLIGHT in the subject line.
Fort Scott - Over 200 people gathered on the last Saturday night of March to be part of helping launch the Fort Scott branch of Flight of Honor. The committee, headed up by FSHS teacher Amy Harper, wrapped up their final planning meeting just a couple of short days prior. The passion in that room was energizing and moving. Also on the committee are Josh Messer, Vickie Chaplin, Mark McCoy, Cathy Bishop, Colleen Quick, Kellye Barrows, Tiffany Carpenter, James Wood and Lisa Chaplin.
In that one night, the committee and community came together to raise $20,881. That is an emotional amount of money, just ask any one of the committee members.
“This covers one-third of our expenses for next year’s trip,” Harper said.
It all started three years ago when Amy Harper was nominated for Kansas Teacher of the Year. During that time, she visited many districts and learned about Flight of Honor. “I decided right then that I wanted to bring that back to Fort Scott,” she said.
However, it wasn’t that easy. Mrs. Harper learned that there are specifications on creating the “hubs” of the Honor Flight. There was one for Parsons/ Chetopa/ St. Paul and Fort Scott was too close to them in proximity. She was turned down.
Fast forward 18 months and FSHS Alumnus and former teacher, Bobbi (Spurgeon) Williams became the president over that Hub and reached out to Mrs. Harper and invited her to join in their Hub as a Fort Scott branch. The idea was taken to U-234 School District and was approved with enthusiasm.
The 2026 Flight of Honor will depart Fort Scott June 2 and return late June 4.
"We’d love to see some support for a send off,” Harper said with a grin, “ we will leave from the lot east of the school at 1 A.M. June 2nd.”
Taken from their website:
Fort Scott High School Flight of Honor – Announcing the Fort Scott Mission! A Branch of the Parsons, Chetopa, St. Paul High Schools Honor Flight.
We are proud to announce the launch of the Fort Scott Mission—our local extension of the Parsons, Chetopa, St. Paul High Schools Honor Flight and part of the national Honor Flight Network, dedicated to honoring America's Veterans with an all-expenses-paid trips to Washington, D.C.
About Honor Flight: Honor Flight is a nationwide initiative that celebrates Veterans by bringing them to the nation's capital to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. Through local hubs like ours, this mission becomes personal—connecting communities and generations.
Now It’s Fort Scott’s Turn
Our focus is on Bourbon County Veterans, especially those who served between 1941 and 1975, including WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War eras. If you or a loved one served during this time, we want to give you the recognition you earned and deserve.
The Experience
Veterans will enjoy a 3-day, 2-night journey to Washington, D.C., where they will visit national memorials in their honor. But this is more than a trip—it’s a powerful moment of healing, connection, and long-overdue appreciation. You’ll be surrounded by fellow Veterans who understand your experience, and by a new generation committed to honoring your service. Every Hero will have a Guardian, a companion, supporter, and friend for the entire trip. These students are carefully selected and trained to meet your physical, emotional, and social needs while forming meaningful bonds across generations - and they’re eager to learn from your stories and serve those who served.
