Southwest Florida Honor Flight Prepares for Mission XXIII
87 Veterans Set to Take Flight from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
In less than one week, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, Southwest Florida
Honor Flight will embark on its 23rd mission (Mission XXIII), the first from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ). This special journey will transport 87 veterans—representing World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Cold War, and other service eras—to Washington, D.C., where they will visit the memorials built in their honor.
Among the group is one WWII veteran, as well as a significant number from the Korean and Vietnam wars, the Cold War, and later eras of service. Notably, this mission will honor 16 female veterans, making it one of the largest female veteran groups ever flown by Southwest Florida Honor Flight.
“Each mission is a living tribute to the men and women who served our nation with courage and sacrifice,” said Naomi Horton Copeland, President of Southwest Florida Honor Flight. “We are especially proud to honor such a diverse group of heroes on Mission XXIII, including an inspiring representation of women who answered the call to serve.”
About the Flight: Veterans and their volunteer guardians will depart from SRQ in the early morning hours and return that same evening to a patriotic welcome home celebration open to the community. The day in Washington, D.C. will include visits to the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the U.S. Air Force Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and other
significant sites.
The Honor Flight program ensures that every veteran has the opportunity to experience this journey at no cost to them, thanks to the generosity of donors, sponsors, and community supporters.
Welcome Home Celebration
The public is encouraged to attend the Welcome Home Ceremony at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport the evening of October 14th. Community members are invited to line the concourse with flags, banners, and cheers to give these heroes the homecoming they deserve. Carpooling is recommended, and arrive early! The festivities will begin at 7:30 pm with music, a food truck, and more!
Event Details:
• Departure: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 – Veterans will arrive at 4 am at SRQ. Take off of the chartered Allegiant aircraft is 5:45 am.
• Return & Welcome Home Celebration: Tuesday evening, October 14, 2025 – SRQ Terminal A
• Public Welcome: FREE and open to all ages. Parking available at SRQ. Carpooling is encouraged.
About Southwest Florida Honor Flight
Southwest Florida Honor Flight is a 100% volunteer-led nonprofit dedicated to honoring our nation’s veterans by providing them with an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to visit their memorials. Since its inception, the hub has flown thousands of veterans from Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.
For more information about Mission XXIII, to donate, or to volunteer, visit
http://www.swflhonorflight.org or follow Southwest Florida Honor Flight on Facebook and Instagram @southwestfloridahonorflight