Page 26 - August 2016 Life In Naples Magazine

Honor Flight

is indeed

an Honoring Flight

T he Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created solely
to honor Americans Veterans for their service and sacrifices. These
American heroes are transported to Washington D.C. to visit, and
reflect at their memorials while connecting with other Veterans

I recently had the privilege of flying on the Mission 10 flight, which left
Naples airport with all female Veterans. This was considered a one-of-a-kind
mission since 66 of the 69 flight participants were Military Veterans. The oldest
served in WWII and the youngest served in the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts.
Proud branches of the Military represented were the Army, Navy, Air Force, or
Army Air Corps, Coast Guard and Marines.

To share this day, was humbling as well as an emotional roller coaster. It
was an honor to be with them and an honor to acknowledge their unselfish
contribution, as they exhibited compassion for one another. What never
fails to amaze me is the grace and casualness in the statement, “I was just
doing my job.”

Honor Flights leave early in the morning and return late the same day,
this enables citizens who wish to participate but also have limited time.
Watching the faces of the returning Veterans as more than 1,500 locals
cheered wildly as they departed the plane and left the airport was something
that is not easy to put into words. I highly recommend that anyone who
is able, participate in the Honor Flight experience. It will enrich your life
while bringing unprecedented joy and meaning to the Veterans being

honored. Contact Debi Lux by email at drdebi@collierhonorflight.org for
details on getting involved.