In 2021, the American Legion Auxiliary entered an official collaboration with Honor Flight Inc. to support its mission to celebrate America’s veterans by inviting them to share in a day of honor at our nation’s memorials in Washington, D.C. The ALA signed a memorandum of understanding with Honor Flight that allows ALA units and departments to directly donate funds generated from the distribution of our poppy.

Tanya Jones, Florida ALA Unit 113 member, was a guardian on an Honor Flight with five veterans from her community and two other guardians. She said the process was easy, and Honor Flight has great resources to find information and print applications.

What inspired your unit to send veterans on an Honor Flight? 
We know time is limited, and with so many veterans feeling they didn’t get recognized for their service, it’s just very important to help veterans get the recognition they deserve. By going and feeling the care and love they so deserved, maybe this one, long day will help resolve a few ill feelings and put a bad book on the shelf for good.

What did your Honor Flight experience entail? 
After a happy send-off at the Legion, we went to the airport to board and saw the plane was decorated in patriotic colors. When we landed in Baltimore, we were met with a water salute and greeters at the airport. What a great feeling to be a part of this! We boarded four buses and headed to D.C. with a motorcycle motorcade. We viewed many memorials. While at the Vietnam Wall Memorial, I found the name of my uncle, which was emotional. On the flight home, the plane had so much energy it probably glowed! The veterans seemed to open up and started telling stories and sharing military experiences.

What was a memorable moment for you or the veterans during this Honor Flight? 
There were many memorable moments, but I think mail call on the plane home was unforgettable. Every veteran received an envelope that looked tattered and torn with their name on it — they lit up when they saw these. Inside were personalized letters and cards from family members, politicians, and children thanking them for their service — so many tears were shed of remembrance and joy to be appreciated. Many said this is how they should have been welcomed home.

Why do you believe it’s important for our veterans to have opportunities like Honor Flight? 
Our veterans fought to keep us safe and for our freedom. No matter if drafted or enlisted, they did the job at hand and deserve to be honored for it.

Describe the welcoming you received in Florida after that unforgettable day. 
Once we arrived back in Florida, what a homecoming we received! So many people were waving flags, saying “thank you,” taking pictures, and crying. Every veteran was smiling from ear to ear with stories of the day’s adventures that would be told for many days to come.

Anything else you’d like to share about this experience? 
Get out there and help these men and women be honored. At the end of the day, if I can help bring a smile to a hardened face or let them feel honored, I’ve been part of the solution — and you can too.

Read from the veterans themselves:

“I want to thank the Southwest Florida Honor Flight organization, American Legion Post/American Legion Auxiliary Unit 113, the guardians, and everyone who contributed in any way to make the Honor Flight one of the most memorable and proudest days of my life. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to make the trip to our nation’s capital because of all you wonderful people. I was treated with such respect, gratitude, and kindness by everyone involved. It was truly a day I will never forget!” said Army veteran Mike Kenjorski.

TerriLynn Ratzel began her military career in 1974. Serving in the Army, Air Force Reserves, and Air National Guard, she retired from military service after 32 years as a master sergeant. “My favorite part of the October trip was the women’s memorial and to be given recognition for our service. I believe there was 30 of us,” said Ratzel.

“It was a great trip. What I enjoyed the most on this trip was the Memorial Wall and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The ceremony with the guards was unforgettable. I want to thank everyone for this trip. It was great,” said Vietnam War veteran Donald R. Plotner, U.S. Navy.