Honor Flight® of West Central Florida, Inc. (HFWCF) was established as a regional hub of the Honor Flight Network in October 2010.
Their mission is to recognize American Veterans for their sacrifice and service by flying them FREE OF CHARGE to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at the memorials dedicated in their honor. Top priority is given to WWII, Korean, and terminally ill Veterans. Honor Flight is committed to flying Veterans from Vietnam, Gulf Wars, and other conflicts.
Their mission is to recognize American Veterans for their sacrifice and service by flying them FREE OF CHARGE to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at the memorials dedicated in their honor. Top priority is given to WWII, Korean, and terminally ill Veterans. Honor Flight is committed to flying Veterans from Vietnam, Gulf Wars, and other conflicts.
For more information about the Honor Flight or to apply, click the button below.
The following are pictures of various scenes experienced by GLVFA Honor Flight veterans that embarked on the trip to Washington, D.C., which included visits at the various memorials including the Arlington National Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial, and also Vietnam, Korea, WW2 and Iwo Jima memorials. The pictures here were given for use here by fellow GLVFA member Jim Hansen, who was an Honor Flight honoree.
GLVFA Members Honored
The following GLVFA members who applied for and eventually went on a well-deserved Honor Flight.
Curt Reilly
Recently, Curt Reilly (CAPT, USN, Retired) embarked on his Honor Flight. The following pictures were part of his adventure, which he described as a deeply moving experience for him. He was accompanied by his "Guardian" John Kozakis, who has been his friend for 50 years.
Recently, Curt Reilly (CAPT, USN, Retired) embarked on his Honor Flight. The following pictures were part of his adventure, which he described as a deeply moving experience for him. He was accompanied by his "Guardian" John Kozakis, who has been his friend for 50 years.
Dennis Blum
Dennis Blum, SP4, USA, Vietnam 66-67, was honored with an Honor Flight originating from Wisconsin. The following pictures were part of his experience being honored in Washington, D.C. He said it was one of the most inspirational adventures he's been involved with. He was accompanied by his son, David Blum, who was his "Guardian" during the Honor Flight.
Dennis Blum, SP4, USA, Vietnam 66-67, was honored with an Honor Flight originating from Wisconsin. The following pictures were part of his experience being honored in Washington, D.C. He said it was one of the most inspirational adventures he's been involved with. He was accompanied by his son, David Blum, who was his "Guardian" during the Honor Flight.
Michael Sulik
Mike Sulik, CTM3, USN, was honored in 2024 by participating in an Honor Flight, originating from St Petersburg. It was a deeply meaningful experience for him. More than just a trip, it was an opportunity for reflection, camaraderie, and recognition. The following pictures were part of his experience being honored in Washington, D.C., accompanying him was his "Guardian" Liz Hicky.
Mike Sulik, CTM3, USN, was honored in 2024 by participating in an Honor Flight, originating from St Petersburg. It was a deeply meaningful experience for him. More than just a trip, it was an opportunity for reflection, camaraderie, and recognition. The following pictures were part of his experience being honored in Washington, D.C., accompanying him was his "Guardian" Liz Hicky.
James Starrett
Jim Starrett, SP5, USA, Vietnam 68-71, was honored in 2023 by participating in an Honor Flight Mission 47, originating from St Petersburg. Accompanying Jim was his sister Susan Starrett.
Jim Starrett, SP5, USA, Vietnam 68-71, was honored in 2023 by participating in an Honor Flight Mission 47, originating from St Petersburg. Accompanying Jim was his sister Susan Starrett.
Jim Hansen
Jim Hansen, E4, Air Force, Thailand (Recon) & Carswell AFB (Strategic Air Command 7th Bomb Wing) 65-68, was honored in 2023. It was a inspiring experience for Jim, and he noted a special fondness of receiving handwritten mail wishing him and all the flight's honorees a thoughtful "thank you", as well as everyone was met with a boisterous welcome upon their return to St. Petersburg Airport at the day's end. He remarked that there was no less than several hundred people welcoming him with hugs, backslapping, and handshaking! Additionally, there were the "Santa Clause non-precision drill team" (see pictures above), police officers, bagpipers, military personnel, and even a girl's group in period dress offering "warm welcome back squeezes!". Aside from the main pictures he took that are at the top of this webpage, the following are pictures of his experience being honored in Washington, D.C., accompanying him was his "Guardian" longtime friend Anthony P. Derieux (Sgt, USMC).
Jim Hansen, E4, Air Force, Thailand (Recon) & Carswell AFB (Strategic Air Command 7th Bomb Wing) 65-68, was honored in 2023. It was a inspiring experience for Jim, and he noted a special fondness of receiving handwritten mail wishing him and all the flight's honorees a thoughtful "thank you", as well as everyone was met with a boisterous welcome upon their return to St. Petersburg Airport at the day's end. He remarked that there was no less than several hundred people welcoming him with hugs, backslapping, and handshaking! Additionally, there were the "Santa Clause non-precision drill team" (see pictures above), police officers, bagpipers, military personnel, and even a girl's group in period dress offering "warm welcome back squeezes!". Aside from the main pictures he took that are at the top of this webpage, the following are pictures of his experience being honored in Washington, D.C., accompanying him was his "Guardian" longtime friend Anthony P. Derieux (Sgt, USMC).
