News Summary
Honor Flight San Diego has successfully transported 90 veterans to Washington, D.C. for their 31st mission. This trip allowed veterans to visit memorials honoring their service, including significant events at the Vietnam Women’s Memorial. The initiative, entirely volunteer-driven, highlights the dedication of community members and sponsors. The veterans experienced emotional homecomings, connecting them back to their service. With ongoing support, this program continues to honor the sacrifices of veterans and recognize their merits.
San Diego, CA – Honor Flight San Diego recently completed its 31st mission, successfully transporting approximately 90 veterans to Washington, D.C. The trip provided these servicemen and women with the opportunity to visit memorials that honor their contributions to the nation. Among the participants were Captain Jim Callaway and Lieutenant Commander Ken Wilson, both U.S. Navy retirees hailing from Coronado.
The mission featured significant events, including flag presentations to two veterans of the Nurse Corps, Ellen Shively and Arlene Riordan, in front of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial. Local residents played key roles in the mission, including Lisa Gary, who served as a board member and team leader, and Brian Ellis and Bridget Stohl, both guardians for the veterans. Supporting the endeavor was Julie Brightwell, board chair and flight director, along with Leslie Granger, who provided donation support, and Bret Gary.
The veterans traveled aboard a special charter plane provided by Alaska Airlines, decorated in stars and stripes, with the phrase “HONORING THOSE WHO SERVE.” During the trip, the veterans participated in a mail call and received more than 8,500 personal letters, evoking memories from their time in service.
Volunteers were pivotal in the success of the mission, with over 100 individuals contributing to the effort. The total cost for a single mission is approximately $310,000, all covered by donations and grants, as the initiative is entirely volunteer-driven and does not receive government funding.
To ensure a smooth experience, the logistics for the trip required six months of planning. This preparation accounted for transportation, meals, medical needs, and homecoming processes. The emotional culmination of the weekend came with a heartfelt homecoming at the airport, where veterans were greeted by a tunnel of saluting active-duty personnel and a cheering crowd of over 1,000 supporters.
The Honor Flight Network, established in 2005 and comprising over 128 hubs, has dedicated itself to honoring veterans by covering all travel expenses, including flights, meals, and accommodations. This recent mission highlighted a shift in the veteran demographic over the years—moving from predominantly World War II veterans to those who served in Korea and Vietnam since the hub’s inception.
For many Vietnam veterans, the emotional homecoming was a long-overdue acknowledgment that they did not receive upon returning from war. The weekend also included ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, accompanied by a motorcycle escort group guiding the buses.
Interactions among the veterans fostered camaraderie and reflection, with many sharing personal stories about their military service. The program continues to thrive, supported by dedicated volunteers and the generosity of donors, ensuring that the sacrifices of these esteemed veterans are duly recognized and celebrated.
With Julie Brightwell’s leadership acknowledged as a pivotal factor in driving the organization’s success, Honor Flight San Diego remains committed to honoring local veterans. This mission serves as a reminder of the ongoing dedication to the brave men and women who have served the nation, further solidifying the enduring legacy of the Honor Flight initiative.
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Additional Resources
- Coronado News: Honor Flight San Diego Veterans
- San Diego Union Tribune: Veterans Day Events
- Times of San Diego: Honor Flight Mission
- CBS 8: Remembering WWII Hero Tom Rice
- Coronado Times: Honor Flight Return
- Wikipedia: Honor Flight
- Google Search: Honor Flight
- Google Scholar: Honor Flight
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Honor Flight
- Google News: Honor Flight
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
