When the Western North Dakota Honor Flight returns to Bismarck, the airport transforms into a celebration of service. Local radio personality Steve Lafromboise, a former National Guard member, steps away from the studio to serve as the official announcer, greeting each veteran by name as they walk through the terminal.
Volunteer spirit at the heart of the welcome
“It’s so much fun because the crowd is cheering and chanting,” Lafromboise said, describing the electric atmosphere that greets the arriving service members. Twice a year, he donates his time to recognize every veteran on the flight, reading name tags, making eye contact, and pointing out family members waiting below.
“I look at their name tag, and I get to see their eyes, and then I get to see them turn and see their family down below is so cool,” he explained. Whether the flight includes the first veteran or the 110th, Lafromboise says the crowd’s enthusiasm never wanes.
A personal connection to the mission
Lafromboise’s dedication stems from his own military background. He served more than two decades in the North Dakota National Guard and deployed during Desert Storm. “I’m 59 years old. And if they called me today, I would do it again,” he affirmed, underscoring his lifelong commitment to those who have served.
His family’s tradition of service runs deep—both parents served in the Navy, and his brother served in the Army. “It’s all I know,” he said, highlighting the personal significance of each homecoming.
Honoring veterans of all eras
The DJ also emphasized the importance of acknowledging veterans who faced hostility after returning from conflict. “Vietnam veterans that came home and got yelled at, things thrown at them, spit on. This is probably one of the biggest things that we can do to thank them,” he remarked, noting that a warm welcome can help heal old wounds.
Beyond the applause, Lafromboise’s announcements give each veteran a moment of recognition that many have not received in the past. He often discovers veterans he did not know personally, saying, “It strikes me every time there’s somebody on there I know that I did not know was serving.” This surprise element reinforces the community’s collective gratitude.
How to support the next flight
The next Western North Dakota Honor Flight is scheduled for April. Residents who wish to volunteer, donate, or apply for a flight can visit the organization’s website at westernndhf.org. The continued involvement of local volunteers like Lafromboise ensures that every returning service member receives the heartfelt welcome they deserve.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
