Soaring Valor Concludes a Decade of Honoring World War II Veterans with Final Flight
On September 5, 2025, a deeply moving chapter in aviation and military remembrance came to a close. Soaring Valor, a unique decade-long partnership between American Airlines, the Gary Sinise Foundation, and the National WWII Museum, embarked on its final flight out of Charlotte, North Carolina. What began in 2015 as an ambitious effort to honor the rapidly dwindling number of World War II veterans ultimately blossomed into a ten-year journey that touched thousands of lives, preserved countless stories, and built enduring bridges between generations.
Over the course of ten years, Soaring Valor flew more than 1,500 veterans on more than 30 charter flights to New Orleans, home of the National WWII Museum. Each of these journeys was more than just a trip. They were ceremonies in the sky, filled with gratitude, recognition, and reverence for the men and women who helped shape the world through their service in World War II. Veterans who had long carried their memories quietly were given a hero’s sendoff, complete with volunteer flight crews, enthusiastic sendoff celebrations, and the chance to see their experiences documented and preserved for future generations.
A Mission of Memory and Connection
One of the most remarkable aspects of Soaring Valor was its intergenerational design. Each veteran traveling to New Orleans was paired with a local high school student, creating a living bridge between the past and the present. For students, many of whom had only encountered the Second World War through textbooks or film, it was a chance to hear directly from those who had lived history. For veterans, it was an opportunity to know that their sacrifices and struggles would not be forgotten but instead carried forward in the hearts of younger generations.
Randy Stillinger, American Airlines’ Manager of Veteran and Military Programs, captured this essence beautifully:
“Soaring Valor journeys are about honoring duty, sacrifice and a legacy of service. On each flight, generations came together in a moment that bridged past, present and future. These stories will continue to echo through history long after the final flight has landed.”
Every mission became a tapestry of shared stories and unforgettable moments. Veterans spoke of battlefields, friendships, and resilience. Students listened with wide-eyed respect, often bringing tears, laughter, and new appreciation for freedoms they might have otherwise taken for granted.
More Than Just Flights
Though the centerpiece of the program was the journey to the National WWII Museum, the flights themselves became powerful tributes. American Airlines’ team members across the country devoted themselves to transforming routine travel into unforgettable moments of honor. Flight attendants, pilots, ground crew, and volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure each sendoff and landing was filled with patriotism and celebration.
Airports were often adorned with flags, banners, and cheering crowds. Communities turned out to salute veterans as they departed, and American Airlines employees went beyond their professional duties to extend personal gestures of thanks. The dedication was not merely corporate—it was deeply personal.
Among those with strong personal ties were flight attendants Robin Agee and Kristen White. Their family story underscores the program’s profound intergenerational reach. Their father and grandfather, James Agee, had served during World War II, and both women volunteered to support Soaring Valor flights over the years. For them, each charter was not only a professional duty but also a family tribute—a way of honoring their father’s service while ensuring that others like him received long-overdue recognition.
Gary Sinise’s Vision
At the heart of Soaring Valor was the unwavering commitment of Gary Sinise, actor, humanitarian, and founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation. Known globally for his tireless advocacy on behalf of veterans, Sinise envisioned Soaring Valor as a way to bring together veterans, students, and communities in an act of collective remembrance.
Reflecting on the conclusion of the program, Sinise shared words of gratitude:
“The charter trips have made a tremendous impact on the lives of all who were privileged to be part. It is with great appreciation that I send my heartfelt thanks to all our partners at American Airlines for all you have done to bring joy to so many of our nation’s heroes and students over the years.”
Sinise also took time to recognize American Airlines team members directly. In a personal message, he praised their compassion and dedication, acknowledging how their commitment elevated Soaring Valor from a logistical operation into a heartfelt mission. Each flight, he noted, became not just a journey but a living tribute to honor and remembrance.
Preserving History at the National WWII Museum
For many veterans, traveling to New Orleans through Soaring Valor meant visiting the National WWII Museum for the first time. There, their personal stories were recorded and archived, ensuring that their voices would endure even as the Greatest Generation passes into history. The museum provided veterans with a platform to reflect, share, and contribute to the collective memory of the war.
This preservation is especially significant as the number of living World War II veterans continues to decline rapidly. By 2025, fewer than 100,000 remain, and the opportunity to hear their experiences firsthand is fading. Soaring Valor gave thousands of students and community members the privilege of hearing these stories directly, while also safeguarding them for future generations.
A Legacy That Endures
The final flight out of Charlotte may mark the end of Soaring Valor as an active program, but its legacy is far from over. The veterans who participated, the students who listened, and the American Airlines employees who dedicated their time have all carried forward the spirit of the mission.
American Airlines has reaffirmed its commitment to honoring veterans and service members, continuing to work alongside the Gary Sinise Foundation to create meaningful programs of recognition. While Soaring Valor was a once-in-a-generation initiative tailored to the World War II community, the airline has pledged to keep supporting those who serve and sacrifice through ongoing partnerships and new projects.
The spirit of Soaring Valor—gratitude, remembrance, and connection—remains a guiding principle.
A Farewell Flight, But Not a Farewell to Gratitude
As the last group of veterans and students touched down in New Orleans, emotions ran high. For many, it was a final opportunity to bear witness to history in the company of those who lived it. Tears flowed, stories were shared, and applause echoed through the terminals. The symbolic weight of the moment was not lost on anyone present: this was not just the conclusion of a program, but the closing of a chapter in living memory.
Yet even as the final flight landed, the message of Soaring Valor resounded with clarity. The sacrifices of World War II veterans continue to inspire, and the bonds created across generations will endure. The program may have reached its conclusion, but its impact—on veterans, students, families, and communities—will live on in stories told, lessons remembered, and gratitude expressed.
In the words of Randy Stillinger:
“These stories will continue to echo through history long after the final flight has landed.”
With that, Soaring Valor takes its rightful place not only in aviation history but also in the broader narrative of how a nation remembers and honors its heroes. Its final flight was not an ending, but a reminder: the courage and sacrifices of the Greatest Generation will always soar in the hearts of those who remember.