PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WWSB) – More than 100 veterans came together in Punta Gorda Friday for a special reunion celebrating the memories and connections made through Southwest Florida Honor Flight.
Among those attending was veteran Raymond Nash, president of Patriot Writers of America, who has traveled to Washington, D.C., with the organization.
“It was the greatest thing I ever did,” Nash said.
Southwest Florida Honor Flight provides veterans with a free trip to the nation’s capital, where they can visit memorials built in their honor and receive the welcome home many never received after serving their country.
“If there is a veteran out there and you’ve never been on the honor flight, get your butt onto it. It is a fantastic experience,” Nash said.
The organization has taken thousands of veterans to Washington, D.C., giving them the opportunity to reflect on their service while connecting with fellow veterans.
Naomi Copeland, president of Southwest Florida Honor Flight, said every trip creates new connections and allows the organization to hear the stories behind the veterans’ service.
“Every single flight gets better and better and better when you start learning the stories from the veterans,” Copeland said.
Friday’s reunion gave veterans, guardians and volunteers a chance to reconnect, share memories and celebrate the bonds formed during their Honor Flight experiences.
“There’s always special stories that come out of every flight that we do, so it’s nice to see everybody when they show up,” said Alex Davenport, vice president of Southwest Florida Honor Flight.
For many veterans, the Honor Flight may last just one day, but the memories and friendships can last a lifetime.
“It doesn’t matter if you went to war, if you were on the sidelines, whatever, just get on the Honor Flight,” Nash said.
The next Southwest Florida Honor Flight is scheduled to depart October 20 from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
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