Veterans and guardians were excitedly preparing for an Honor Flight scheduled to take off from Southwest Florida International Airport. However, they received disappointing news that the flight had been canceled due to the government shutdown.

Some passengers have been waiting their entire lives for this moment. Now, they hope for another opportunity soon.

Briar Lambley, a 17-year-old high school senior, was one of the guardians looking forward to the trip.

“I’m a senior at Baron Collier High School,” said Briar Lambley. “Participate in ROTC, and then after school, I’m a varsity cheer captain, varsity lacrosse captain, student body treasurer.”

Charles Casabant, a 78-year-old Air Force veteran, was also set to be on the flight.

“I was in the Air Force from ’66 until ’81. I was stationed in North Dakota, New Hampshire and Puerto Rico,” said Charles Casabant.

Their friendship blossomed from a shared love for their country and service.

“My family has a long time military history. My father served in the Navy and worked directly for the President, and I want to continue his legacy,” said Lambley.

“I was Cadet of the Year and being honored with the opportunity to go on Honor Flight my father,” she added.

Casabant reflected on his service during the Vietnam era.

“I was in during the Vietnam Conway. Back then, people weren’t very nice. It’s a way of [the] public making up for that,” said Casabant.

Lambley and Casabant met just a week ago while preparing for the Honor Flight. Briar, her dad, Charles, and his best friend formed a group of veterans and guardians.

“At first I was a little nervous, but we clicked so fast that I was looking forward to the fly,” said Lambley.

“Other than the fact that she’s so impressive for her age, it’s just unbelievable. She’s not your typical teen. By far, I was just wickedly impressed by her intelligence. She’s [a] smart cookie,” said Casabant.

Unfortunately, the government shutdown led to the cancellation of their flight just days before takeoff. This was the second time Casabant couldn’t go, having been on the waitlist for five years.

“A huge disappointment after being bumped that April the second time, I was a pretty disappointed when we heard that,” said Casabant. “I called her yesterday [to] make sure we still have her for the next plane.”

“My first reaction was, oh my gosh, there’s no way,” said Lambley.

While Briar and Charles won’t be flying out this Saturday, their friendship remains strong.

“I’m really looking forward to next April, and I’m hoping that we can reconnect soon and before then,” said Lambley.

Briar and Charles are hopeful for a new flight date set for this spring, just in time for the two to spend more time together before Briar heads off to the Naval Academy.