By LOIS KINDLE
lekindle@aol.com
As 74 Veterans from Honor Flight West Central Florida Mission made their way through a cheering crowd at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport on Oct. 20, after spending the day visiting memorials honoring their military service in Washington, D.C., some of the first people to greet them were members of the Wimauma Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron.
For the South Shore teenagers, the homecoming was more than a welcome ceremony. It was an opportunity to personally thank the men and women whose military service spanned World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam era.
Mission 59 included a 103-year-old WWII Veteran, one Korean War Veteran and 72 Veterans of the Vietnam Era.
Cadets joined members of other CAP squadrons in presenting and escorting the American flag through the terminal, saluting the returning Veterans as they arrived and welcoming them home with handshakes, conversations and words of gratitude for their service.
"Events like the Honor Flight offer our cadets a profound, hands-on opportunity to honor our nation's heroes," senior Civil Air Patrol leadership said. "Seeing our youth stand at attention, render military honors and personally connect with generations of service members reinforces the core Civil Air Patrol values of leadership, service and respect."
The experience also highlighted the mission of the Civil Air Patrol cadet program, which introduces youth, ages 12 to 18, to aviation, aerospace education, leadership development and emergency services while fostering a lifelong commitment to community service.
About Honor Flight WCF
Honor Flight West Central Florida, which serves Veterans in Hillsborough, Hernando, Pinellas and Pasco counties, has transported 4,122 Veterans since its inception 15 years ago. In 2026 alone, its four missions honored 399. All expenses for the Veterans were paid.
Each flight to the nation’s capital costs about $90,000, which is covered in part by the $500 contributions made by volunteer guardians. Each regional hub raises the remaining funds through private donations. The 501 (c) (3) nonprofit receives no government grants.
Everyone on the flight participates in a guided tour of Washington, D.C., which includes visits to the National World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and other national memorials.
“Our main function is to gives Veterans, especially those from the Vietnam Era, an unforgettable day to let them know how much we appreciate them and their service,” said Traci Luchtenberg, Honor Flight West Central Florida board president.
As a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, Honor Flight of West Central Florida depends solely on volunteers and donations to honor and transport Veterans to Washington, D.C. Ninety-eight cents of every dollar donated goes directly toward its mission.
Four Honor Flights take place each year, two in the spring and two in the fall.
The next flight will be on April 27, 2027.
Veterans can apply online at https://www.honorflightwcf.org/honorflight-application.php or down load, complete and send an application to Honor Flight of West Central Florida, P. O. Box 55661, St. Petersburg, FL 33732.
To become a guardian, volunteer or to make a donation, visit https://www.honorflightwcf.org/. Corporate sponsorships are always welcome.
For more information, email info@honorflightwcf.org or call 727-498-6079.