Honor Flight
Veterans’ Voices is directed toward veterans and their families who have given so much to ensure our freedom in this country. This is an area where you may share your experiences, or read of other veterans’ experiences. We thank you for your service, and hope that you know how much you are loved and appreciated.
The Honor Flight returned with those Veterans on Sept. 14. I will talk about them below. First off, I wanted to explain how to apply and why each and every one of you War Veterans should apply and go on the Honor Flight. They accept applications for WW11, Korea, Vietnam, and terminally ill veterans from other wars. Veterans are placed on their waiting list on a first-come, first-served basis. They have pledged to honor each and every WW11, Korean, and Vietnam war hero before it is too late. Help me to find these veterans so they can be rewarded with a few days planned just for them. This is their mission and duty. Help Honor Flight our heroes.
They are unable to accommodate spouses unless they are eligible veterans themselves. Guardians are required to be one generation removed from the veteran. Our veterans have already sacrificed and given so much through their service to our country, therefore we feel they should not have to pay for the trip. All expenses for their Honor Flight are covered.
Flights are funded by donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other groups who wish to be an important part of honoring these heroes and recognize the need to get our veterans to see their memorial before it is too late. No funding is received from the government. Guardians that you want to escort you are required to pay a fee for their expenses.
A guardian will be provided for each veteran, unless a family member has sent in a Guardian Application requesting to fly with a specific veteran.
To fill out an application, click here: https://cvhonorflight.org/veteran-application/.
To go directly to their website for more information, click https://cvhonorflight.org.
This is a sample itinerary: When you arrive, dinner is served at the American Legion shortly after arrival in Maryland. You see Iwo Jima Memorial, WW11 Memorial, Air Force Memorial, and lunch. Navy Memorial, Korean Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, depart for Arlington National Cemetery to see the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown, Women’s Memorial Museum, Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. Then back to Fresno Airport for the Welcome Home Ceremony. I am sure I am missing some things, but this is most of it. You will never forget it.
I have known many veterans that did not want to go. They said it would be a waste of time for them. I thought the same thing. This trip will change your life. You will not be the same person. Take advantage of this venture. You will not regret it.
I have been on both sides of the Honor Flight. I was part of the team that escorted the returning veterans back to the airport to be welcomed by hundreds of people thanking them for their service, and I have been fortunate enough to be one of the veterans that was able to go and experience all of the above. I wrote an article about a month ago about my feelings on the subject of people saying, “Thank you for your service”. These people really and truly mean it. To see the faces of these returning veterans with their eyes full of tears, with all of the music, welcoming committee, the long line of Navy veterans all dressed up in their white uniforms lined up at attention and saluting them as the veterans once enter the airport. Again, it is unforgettable.
When I went on the Honor Flight, I remember seeing the Vietnam wall. I had all of the names of my five buddies that I left in Vietnam that paid the ultimate price with me. I looked for their names and found that first one. His name was Lacey. Seeing his name was overwhelming. I decided I did not want to see or find the other names. I then went to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I did alright there. Then when I turned around and saw all of those rolling hills with all of the white crosses, I had a complete melt-down. I had seen enough. I was ready to go home. I thought about my Buddies in Nam and kept thinking about their children growing up without a father and the widows attempting to make ends meet without their soul mate. Then my Granddaughter, who was my companion consoled me. That day she saw a side of me that nobody had ever seen, except my wife. I apologized to her. My granddaughter told me that it would be okay, and she was glad that she was able to go with me.
So, if you have never heard of the Honor Flight, or never thought you qualified, or just thought it would be a waste of time, apply or email me and I will help with your application. GO. Again, you will not regret it. It will change your life. Any questions or comments, email me at AboutVets@yahoo.com.
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— Royal D. Goodman, U.S. Army / Vietnam,
1st Cav/9th Infantry
