The Celebration of Service Flight (C.O.S. Flight) is a special program dedicated to honoring veterans from the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War eras. The event is designed specifically for men and women who served during those officially recognized time periods, with a focus on giving them a meaningful and memorable experience of appreciation.
Unlike many traditional veteran recognition trips, the Celebration of Service Flight is structured as a full three-day, all-expense-paid event. Participating veterans receive covered transportation, lodging, and meals through support from the Wake Foundation. The experience is intended to go beyond a single-day outing, offering extended time for fellowship, recognition, and reflection.
The program is not open to all veterans. Post-9/11 veterans, while deeply appreciated by organizers, are not eligible for this particular event due to its focus on earlier service eras. Organizers emphasize that the intent is to specifically recognize those who served in earlier conflicts.
While the Celebration of Service Flight shares similarities with Honor Flight programs—both are dedicated to honoring veterans of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam—there are key differences. Honor Flight typically involves a one-day round trip to Washington, D.C., visiting memorials with no overnight stay. In contrast, the Celebration of Service Flight extends over multiple days, allowing for a more in-depth experience and additional time for recognition activities.
The Wake Foundation, founded by U.S. Army Iraq War veteran Robert Wake, plays a central role in organizing the event. Wake, a combat-wounded Purple Heart recipient, has dedicated his post-military life to supporting wounded veterans following his recovery from severe injuries and a year of rehabilitation. His mission has grown into a broader effort to give back to fellow service members.
However, the Wake Foundation is not the only supporter involved. The Legacy Foundation of Ottumwa also contributed significant grant funding to assist local veterans. Their support was especially important in covering costs for caregivers who assist veterans with physical limitations. Typically, caregivers would be required to pay an estimated $800 to participate, but thanks to the grant, those expenses were covered, ensuring that mobility challenges would not prevent participation.
Organizers involved in the program—all of them are veterans themselves—describe their work as personal and mission-driven. Having participated in the 2025 event both as veterans and volunteers, they emphasize that service to fellow veterans feels like an extension of military family bonds.
At this time, there are no confirmed plans for another Celebration of Service Flight, though organizers note that future events remain a possibility depending on funding and planning discussions.
Overall, the Celebration of Service Flight stands as a deeply personal and community-supported effort to honor aging veterans, ensuring their service and sacrifice are recognized in a meaningful and lasting way.
The Wake Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on donations to continue its work. If you would like to support its mission, contributions are greatly appreciated.
For more information or to donate, please visit: www.thewakefoundation.org
