PHOENIX – On Tuesday, September 3, Honor Flight Arizona begins the Fall season of veteran flights to Washington, D.C. from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. This will be the first of five Honor Flight trips for northern and central Arizona this Fall. Vietnam War Veterans will begin joining WWII and Korean War Veterans on the October 15th Honor Flight.

Honor Flights for the Fall season will occur on these dates:

· September 17-19
· October 1-3
· October 15-17
· October 22-24

Honor Flight Arizona took its first flight of 11 WWII Veterans in November 2009, and has now flown more than 1,700 WWII Veterans, and 500 Korean War Veterans. Trips have also included a total of 1,500 guardians. We have a base of 50-60 active volunteers. We encourage veterans from WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War to sign up for their no-cost Honor Flight. For many, this is the trip of a lifetime.

We thank Southwest Airlines, who is one of our major sponsors, and their employees. They continue to make sure everything is ready to greet the veterans and get them checked in. In addition, TSA employees compassionately process our veterans through security (since some of the veterans have not flown in many decades).

On every trip, there have been so many handshakes, hugs, kisses, and “Thank you for your service,” and “Welcome Home” comments along the way. It all makes a huge difference in the lives of our veterans. Many veterans do not like to be called heroes – they will say that title is for those who did not make it home. But, because of all they sacrificed and endured, heroes are indeed what they are.

Vietnam War Veterans have waited patiently for their Honor Flight call-up in Arizona. Robert Krug, Honor Flight Arizona Vice-President, announces, “We are glad to say ‘Welcome Home’ to our Vietnam War Veterans. Welcome to Honor Flight. It will be a privilege flying with you.”