Two Flights, Hundreds of Heroes
Southwest Florida Honor Flight Announces 2026 Flight Dates
As Veterans Day approaches on November 11th, Southwest Florida Honor Flight (SWFL HF) invites our community to join in honoring America’s heroes. There is no greater gift than providing a Veteran with the chance to fly on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials built in their honor. The next scheduled flights will take place on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, and Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Since 2007, SWFL HF has flown more than 2,300 Veterans—including those from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and beyond—on a no-cost, one-day journey of honor and remembrance. For many, the experience is life-changing. One Vietnam Veteran shared, “This was the best day of my life. I never dreamed anyone cared this much.” A Korean War Veteran said, “I didn’t think I deserved this trip because I stayed stateside, but I finally realized my service mattered.” And a female Vietnam Veteran reflected, “The welcome home brought me to tears. It was the first time anyone ever said ‘thank you.’”
“Every Veteran’s service counts. You wore the flag of our nation. You signed a blank check to our nation, that at any time, they could call you and you would go. You were trained and prepared. That alone makes you deserving of honor, whether you saw combat or not,” said Naomi Horton Copeland, President of Southwest Florida Honor Flight. “Our priority is to reach as many World War II, Korean War, and female Veterans as possible before it’s too late.”
Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply now. Once an application is received, Veterans are placed on a waitlist. Currently, there is approximately a four-flight wait—about two years—before a Veteran is called for their mission. Time is of the essence: the sooner you apply, the sooner you will fly. Applications are available at http://www.swflhonorflight.org.
Guardians are an essential part of the Veteran’s flight day. They help the flight crew keep the Veterans safe, hydrated, and fed. “Veterans are in such awe of the day at the memorials, they don’t see the crack in the pavement, or don’t realize which memorial we are stopped at” Copeland said. “Our Guardians point out those things to the Veterans - they are such a vital piece of our successful day.” Guardians pay a nominal fee to offset their travel costs.
A common misconception is that airlines donate the aircraft. In reality, Southwest Florida Honor Flight charters its flights from Allegiant and pays in full for every mission. Each flight costs approximately $118,000, covering the chartered aircraft, chartered buses in Washington, catering, and all logistics for the day. SWFL HF receives no government funding and no free planes. “Every flight is powered by the generosity of our community - local businesses, civic groups, and patriotic Americans who care about honoring Veterans,” Copeland added. “Without community support, these flights simply would not happen.”
Currently, SWFL HF is only able to operate two flights per year. With additional funding and sponsorship, a third flight could be added to the annual schedule, reducing the waitlist and ensuring more Veterans receive their day of honor sooner.
As Veterans Day nears, SWFL HF urges the community to step up. Individuals can donate directly to send a Veteran on the trip. Businesses can sponsor flights, Guardians, or major mission expenses. Civic groups and organizations can rally together to raise funds for upcoming missions. “Your gift truly makes the difference between a Veteran staying home or flying to Washington, D.C. for a day of healing and gratitude,” said Copeland. Donations and sponsorship opportunities are available at http://www.swflhonorflight.org.
Southwest Florida Honor Flight is one of 10 active hubs in Florida and one of the 128 hubs established nationwide. Serving Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties, SWFL HF is entirely volunteer-run and community-funded. Since 2007, the hub has proudly honored more than 2,300 Veterans. For Veteran or Guardian applications, or to learn more, visit http://www.swflhonorflight.org or email swflhonorflight@gmail.com.