PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Hundreds of Arizona veterans will travel to the East Coast to visit war memorials this year, and two Valley organizations are generously donating to the nonprofit behind the mission.
Honor Flight Arizona is kicking off its Fall 2025 flying season. The nonprofit flies World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to Washington, D.C. to see war memorials — at no cost to veterans.
This year, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and Semper Fi Heating and Cooling contributed a combined $100,000 to the nonprofit, allowing Honor Flight to continue flying veterans to the East Coast.
“We are so grateful to have these two new sponsors step up to help us continue honoring our veterans. As an all-volunteer organization, this funding pays for every aspect of the trips,” said Diane Franzese, President of Honor Flight Arizona.
Of the five trips scheduled for the fall season, two trips will include double the average amount of veterans, giving each person the opportunity to visit the memorials.
Gibby Parra and Arizona’s Family crews were at the first send-off of the fall season on Wednesday, where 36 veterans were preparing to leave. Of the 36 veterans on the first trip, two are women and two others served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars.
“This is a dream come true. I was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, as a young 22, 23-year-old. I’ve never been to D.C,” one female veteran said. “I am so pumped to see…especially the women’s veterans memorial and the changing of the guard. Those are the two highlights for me.”
Steve, a U.S. Army veteran, said he waited four years for his flight and shared what he’s most excited for on the trip.
“I feel humbled cause of all the guys that are here,” he said. “Seeing the Vietnam Wall, number one, and I’m looking forward to the 9/11 ceremony they’re going to have.”
In total, two World War II, 11 Korean War and over 230 Vietnam War veterans will get to travel this year. Ten veterans are at least 90 years old.
Since its creation, Honor Flight Arizona has flown over 4,500 veterans to Washington, D.C. Veterans can sign up for their free Honor Flight online at honorflightaz.org/veterans.
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