Paying tribute with Honor Flight

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Saphfire Cook
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TUCSON, Ariz. --  Members of D-M's First Sergeant Council joined civilian Honor Flight Tucson supporters at Tucson International Airport Oct. 21 to give returning veterans an enthusiastic homecoming.

Honor Flight Tucson is powered by volunteers that perform a plethora of duties from travel agent to travel companion. The organization sponsors war veterans on visits to Washington, D.C. where they are escorted to the commemorative monuments by their travel companions and military volunteers. It is a tradition that upon their return the veterans are greeted with flags, smiles and applause.

The FSC was presented the opportunity to work with HFT when one of its coordinators attended a council meeting.

"Working, in any way, with the Tucson Honor Flight is a golden opportunity for us to pay tribute for those who came before us," said Senior Master Sgt. Hector Herrera, 355th Component Maintenance Squadron first sergeant.

Veterans came to their country's aid when needed and organizations such as HFT are commending these men and women. This most recent trip was taken by 29 veterans and 22 guardians.

"It is important to show respect and honor to our veterans, especially the WWII men and women who waited almost 65 years for their memorial to be built," said Ms. Barbara Brownlie, HFT coordinator. "Can you imagine how it feels for someone to call them and offer to fly them to Washington D.C. all expenses paid?"

Conflicts such as World War II and the Vietnam War have long been fought, but their memorials keep their significance alive today, as do their surviving military members.

"I really enjoyed seeing all the memorials and being able to meet the young service men and women," said Mr. Robert Berni, retired Navy WWII veteran who attended the latest Honor Flight trip. "It was such a pleasure and I'm happy I got the opportunity."

The next Honor Flight is scheduled for Nov. 16-18.

If you would like to donate or volunteer with HFT, visit them at http://www.honorflightsaz.org. To volunteer for the next homecoming with the FSC, contact Sergeant Herrera at (520) 228-2133.