The final scheduled flight of HonorAir Knoxville, with 137 East Tennessee veterans aboard, took place on April 8, 2026. This marked the successful completion of the nonprofit’s 19-year mission. HonorAir Knoxville was established and was presented by Prestige Cleaners and Prestige Tuxedo.

Covenant Health was a major sponsor of each of the flights. According to Eddie Mannis, President of Prestige Cleaners and PrestigeTuxedo and Founder and Chairman of HonorAir Knoxville, “It has been our honor to complete 38 flights, bringing over 4,700 East Tennessee World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans on these free, one-day trips to Washington, D.C. to see the memorials built in their honor.”

Union County’s own James Dixon (Army) and Arnold Smallin (Army) were on this final flight. Each HonorAir flight had escorts for the veterans, and Jim Williams of Knoxville was one of these. Jim recently hosted a post-flight lunch for Arnold along with Daniel Morris (Army, Roane County), Jerry Whiteside (Marine, Anderson County), and Michael Inman (Army, Roane County). HonorAir volunteer Joe Sutter (Air Force, Knox County) also joined them.

Michael Inman had visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial before, but returning with this group of veterans was an especially moving and memorable experience. He said the fellowship among the veterans was outstanding, regardless of their branch of service, years served, or duty station. Arnold Smallin was surprised at the degree of camaraderie and support among all the Veterans, most who did not know each other before this trip. Daniel Morris was impressed by the trip’s organization, including the veterans’ orientation held weeks before the flight, as well as by the people on the flight. Everyone agreed that, although the day was full of activities and information, the trip was fascinating and surprisingly relaxing. All the luncheon attendees concurred that this was one of the best experiences of their lives, and all agreed that the fellowship, after all these years, was paramount. “It was terrific to be with so many Veterans,” said Arnold.

In addition to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, they visited the Marine Corps Memorial (the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima), the World War II Memorial (56 granite pillars honoring the 16 million who served and more than 400,000 who died), the Korean War Veterans Memorial (sculpture of Veterans on patrol), and Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They drove by the US Navy Memorial, which serves as a tribute to Navy, Marine, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine Veterans and active-duty. Unfortunately, the Air Force Memorial was under renovation. Their tour guide impressed them with his knowledge of the memorials and what they stood for as he took the group around, sharing information and stories with them. As they drove by the Pentagon, the guide asked his tour, “How many people do you think work at the Pentagon?” When they could not guess the number of Pentagon employees, the guide gave them the answer: “About half”.

Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Joe Sutter served as the Flight Commander on the trip, helping the volunteer team keep things running smoothly throughout the day. Sutter was one of the founding board members for the non-profit HonorAir and had been with the organization since its inception in October 2007 – and had been on all 38 flights!

Their return to Knoxville was greeted with water cannons shooting arches over the plane. Hundreds of active duty, veterans, ROTC cadets, government officials, family, and friends were there to greet them and welcome them home, shake their hands, and give them the recognition that they deserved. This was a poignant moment for many of the Vietnam Vets who were ignored or treated with disdain when they returned from that conflict.

These six lunchtime Veterans had nothing but praise for the unforgettable experience that HonorAir Knoxville provided them.

What about Veterans with disabilities who could not make the daylong flight to the nation’s capital? HonorAir Knoxville had them covered, too, conducting three Virtual Flights over the years. This option gave those unable to travel a meaningful way to experience the trip. It was not a digital flight viewed through a headset. Instead, an American Airlines plane, beautifully crafted from red, white, and blue balloons, welcomed the veterans aboard. Flight attendants greeted the passengers, who watched the plane “take off” from Knoxville and “land” in Washington, D.C. The memorials were recorded from a first-person perspective, making it feel as though each person was walking up to them. When they “returned” to Knoxville, Virtual Flight attendees received the same warm welcome home as those on the other flights, complete with flags, balloons, and friends and family.

HonorAir Knoxville successfully fulfilled -- and exceeded the original mission -- and officially concluded its operations.
Eddie Mannis led a dedicated volunteer team that planned and conducted each trip. He was the key figure who helped see the program through its historic flights, ensuring veterans received the thank you, homecoming, and recognition they deserved. James Dixon and Arnold Smallin were there to experience it firsthand.

Mission accomplished!