Honor Flight of West Central Florida
Honor Flight of West Central Florida (HFWCF) was established in late 2010 as an official Regional Hub of the National Honor Flight Network. As part of the Network, HFWCF provides all expense paid flights for World War II Veterans in the Tampa Bay area to visit their memorials in Washington, D.C.
In 2011, with significant support from Southwest, Allegiant, and American Airlines, Brighthouse Networks, TECO, and many generous individuals and groups, we completed 4 Missions taking 241 WWII Veterans to Washington D.C. Our first Mission was on May 3, 2011 flying 25, our second Mission on June 28, 2011 flying 71, and our third Mission September 20, 2011 flying 72 WWII Veterans. Our fourth Mission on October 29, 2011 involved 74 WWII Veterans and their Guardians on a cold, rainy day – but this didn’t dampen the thrill of these vets enjoying the WW II Memorial, the Marine Memorial (Iwo Jima) and a special experience at Arlington National Cemetery. While there, four of our vets placed a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier – it was an honor and a thrill for the 100 year old WAC, two former POW’s and one of our volunteer leaders who was in WWII who were involved.
In 2012, we resumed our flights on April 3rd taking 74 WWII Veterans to D.C. Their return trip was delayed a day but our Greatest Generation held up. During the trip, the group was tagged as the "No Complaint Generation" as well! Our next Mission is scheduled for June 12th flying out of St Pete/Clearwater on an Allegiant charter. With an estimated 32,000 WWII Veterans living in the West Central Florida area, we have a huge challenge. We need continued support from grateful Americans like yourselves, and the generous participation of area corporations to honor these World War II Veterans with a tour to D.C. in the manner they deserve.
To continue our flights, your donations are key. Also, if you have time to volunteer, HFWCF can use your help. Your energy helps the thousands of local Veterans enjoy their Honor Flight.
In the future, we will pay tribute to America's other heroes, those who served during the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars. They, too, have given so much and it is time we show them that their efforts are not forgotten. Please consider donating, volunteering, and/or accompanying a Veteran to D.C. as a Guardian. It will be a lifetime memory for you.
