Honoring Heroes: Behind Black & Veatch’s Unforgettable Salute to Veterans
Each year around Veterans Day, the skies above Black & Veatch’s global headquarters in Overland Park, Kansas, fill with the unmistakable thunder of helicopter blades. The rhythmic thump of Army aircraft echoes across the city, evoking scenes reminiscent of Apocalypse Now. As the helicopters hover and descend onto the company’s campus, their arrival signals the start of one of the Kansas City region’s most powerful and anticipated Veterans Day tributes.
The event is nothing short of spectacular — and for James Elliott, a 10-year U.S. Air Force veteran and long-time Black & Veatch employee, it’s also a logistical feat months in the making. Together with a small team of colleagues, Elliott spends much of the year orchestrating the countless details that bring this large-scale celebration to life.
While the event is rooted in gratitude for the nation’s Armed Forces, it also reflects Black & Veatch’s enduring relationship with the military. The 110-year-old engineering and construction company has collaborated with the Department of Defense and military agencies in more than 100 countries. For Overland Park and surrounding communities, the event serves as both a heartfelt salute and an open invitation to connect with the men and women who safeguard the nation.
“We owe veterans our deepest gratitude for their enduring courage and sacrifice to protect our freedoms, and for their continued efforts to make the world a better place,” said Mario Azar, Black & Veatch Chairman and CEO. “For so many reasons, we hold these events dear.”
This year’s celebration, held on November 6, marks the 18th consecutive year of Black & Veatch’s sponsorship. Once again, helicopters and armored vehicles are expected to take center stage, creating an awe-inspiring display of patriotism and engineering might.
The Mission Behind the Machines
Pulling off such an event requires far more than enthusiasm. It begins with a formal request to the Pentagon to secure participation from the U.S. military. From there, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must approve any helicopter landings outside an airport — in this case, in the middle of suburban Overland Park. Once both agencies give the green light, coordination begins with military bases and aviation units to bring in the aircraft and vehicles that make the show unforgettable.
The Kansas National Guard, based in Topeka, typically provides Black Hawk helicopters, while Apache attack helicopters fly in from Fort Riley, roughly 60 miles away. Chinooks, the massive twin-rotor aircraft used for transporting troops and heavy cargo, often make the short journey from Gardner, Kansas. Alongside these air assets, the event also features tactical military vehicles, historical displays from the Military Vehicle Preservation Association, and demonstrations by local first responders.
The planning is detailed and exacting, but the result is a vivid, hands-on encounter with the nation’s defense machinery — one that bridges generations and inspires future service members. “Tomorrow’s patriots can see, hear, and feel instruments of freedom,” Elliott said. “Right down to the wind from the helicopters.”xxxx
A Community Event with Heart
Over the years, the Salute to Veterans has become a cherished tradition for both employees and the broader community. Families, students, and veterans gather to see the aircraft up close, speak with military personnel, and honor those who have served. The event not only pays tribute to America’s defenders but also demonstrates the value of teamwork, precision, and civic engagement — principles deeply woven into Black & Veatch’s own culture.
Still, Elliott admits there are moments of tension amid the excitement. Safety remains the top priority, and every element of the event — from where tents are placed to how crowds are managed — is carefully designed to ensure everyone’s wellbeing. Only when the helicopters are grounded, engines silent and blades still, does Elliott finally relax. “That’s my collapsible moment,” he says with a laugh. “When I know everything worked, the crowd is safe, and we’ve pulled it off again.”
The event’s visibility also occasionally sparks curiosity — and even amusement. “We’ve seen conspiracy theories pop up online about why Army helicopters are suddenly flying into Overland Park,” Elliott joked. “Or when an Abrams tank rolled down the freeway under police escort — that really got people talking.”
But for Elliott and his team, the meaning behind it all is clear. “There aren’t many companies willing to take this on,” he reflected. “Most would say it’s too complicated, too risky. But this highlights what our employees can do — how we go above and beyond to make something special happen.”
From the roar of rotor blades to the sight of veterans standing at attention, Black & Veatch’s annual Salute to Veterans captures the very essence of gratitude, unity, and respect. It is, as Elliott describes it, “visceral and unforgettable” — a living tribute to those who serve and a reminder of the freedoms they protect.