PORT ST. LUCIE — On Friday, June 5, Southeast Florida Honor Flight hosted a special birthday celebration for two World War II veterans who have previously flown with the organization. Levant Bender, 100, and Richard Rossi, 102, were honored at Mission BBQ.
Bender is a decorated U.S Navy veteran who served from 1944 to 1947. Rossi enlisted in the US Army in 1943 and was a radio operator and orchestra saxophone player.
The celebration featured live entertainment from volunteer dancers performing swing music reminiscent of the era when the veterans were young.
“Mr. Rossi enjoys sharing Margaritas with his friends, and Mr. Bender cherishes the independence of being able to drive himself to lunch every day,” said Jamie Schoonover, media specialist for Southeast Florida Honor Flight. “Both gentlemen have flown to Washington, D.C. with Southeast Florida Honor Flight and have become cherished members of our volunteer family. They are true heroes through and through.”
Southeast Florida Honor Flight is based in Stuart and is a 100% volunteer organization that flies WWII, Korean, and Vietnam War veterans to the memorials in Washington, D.C., honoring those who served and sacrificed.