The Central Valley chapter of Honor Flights annually takes 200 veterans to visit Washington, DC. Each mission consists of a flight, a two-night stay, and a visit to the nation's capitol for 70 attendees. The trip focuses on visiting their military memorials and other sites in Washington, DC. Missions begin with a meet and greet for veterans,
followed by the flight, local American Legion Post BBQ dinner, a visit to the US Capitol, WWII Memorial, Navy Memorial (Lone Sailor), US Marine Memorial (Iwo Jima), Air Force Memorial, and the National Museum of the US Army, followed by a banquet dinner, all in the first Vietnam War memorial with time for reflection, trips to other notable DC sites such as Arlington Cemetery, dinner and a hotel stay. As many veterans are older and have specific needs, we have volunteer medical staff who attend the mission. Each veteran is assigned a volunteer to support their (and their family members') needs while in DC. The guardian may be required to push a wheelchair or be on hand to help find their way. Our volunteer team provides all logistics management for the trip, including transportation in the city, hotels, and meals. We offer a helping hand, listening ear, and open heart throughout the journey for veterans who were not welcomed home when they returned but deserve our gratitude for their service,
Words from CVHF Honored Veterans "Thank you so much. You all made 2022 my most happy year ever. I will never forget you all. I got my "Welcome Home," and I got to visit my bro at the Vietnam Wall. John L. Vietnam Veteran "I've had six and seven-year-olds walk up, look me in the eye, shake my hand, and thank me for my service. And that's, you know, maybe it was all worth it." Jose Trip 25, Vietnam Veteran "To represent the veterans placing the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was one of the best things I've
ever done." Douglas Justus, WWII Veteran, 2015 "To have the opportunity and honor to visit the Arlington Cemetery and memorials will remain in my heart for the rest
of my life. Ralph A. I had the most amazing time of my life, thanks to you and your amazing helpers. Peggy S. We felt the love of all the staff and certainly all the volunteers at every juncture thru the beautiful excursion into Washington DC. And, were we ever totally humbled and loved by a thousand well-wishers and patriots at the Fresno International Airport. We will never forget and always be eternally grateful for the gifts and kindness we were shown. Irving C. When my turn came to walk through the Homecoming parade, I thought back 50 years ago as a 22-year-old sailor standing outside of SF International Airport. We were not welcome home with cheers; we were called names, and a
woman spit on me. At the time, I thought, should I backhand this lady? I looked at my buddy. He shook his head no, and we thought about the hell we had been through the past 2-yrs. We know who our enemies were, but we are not here on Nixon Island. Nonetheless, I had tears of joy as I saw my wife. She also cried that I was home and finally had a parade. All of those young soldiers who did not make it back will always be in my thoughts, and they will forever be young. Ron V. Trip 22
"You made me feel extremely important, beyond what I can express in words." Leonard Heinrichs, WWII, 2013 "My PTSD did not come from combat. Heck, I was refueling planes a mile above Vietnam. My struggles came from how I was treated coming home to the San Bernardino Airport. That Honor Flight welcome we received in the Baltimore and Fresno Airports did more good for me than ten years of therapy. Thank you! Mike Betterton, Cold War to Vietnam Veteran, Air Force
