From Dan Ferens: “…I received an unexpected mailing from Honor Flight…that beautiful commemorative book…Being on Honor Flight 21 was one of the best experiences in my lifetime, so this is a wonderful keepsake. I have given speeches about my experiences to my Toastmasters Club and a Rotary breakfast and urged veterans to sign up for Honor Flight…keep up the great work and thank you again for the book.”

“We are writing to you in appreciation, on behalf of our late father, James W. Janes Sr.

James was an E5 Specialist Army Veteran who was active duty between 1956-59, stationed primarily at Fort Benning. He was always proud of his service, and his country. This past spring, dad had the chance to go on the Honor Flight with your organization. He was so excited, the day couldn’t arrive fast enough for him. He took his son Dennis, also an Army Veteran, with him for the experience. Both during and after the flight, dad was amazed and proud of the experience he was given. Everything was planned out in perfect detail, he said every person he met along the way was welcoming and kind, and treated him with more respect than he had felt in so very long. He enjoyed the monuments and history he was able to see during his trip. He mentioned how amazed he was to see so many people waiting to welcome everyone as they returned to Syracuse. He just couldn’t believe all the excitement and applause for all the returning Veterans.

When dad returned home, he couldn’t wait to share his experience with us all through stories and photos. As a family, we wanted to take a moment to share our heartfelt appreciation with each and every member, and sponsor from your organization. The happiness you brought to our father at the end of his life is something we simply cannot thank you enough for.

We also thank each and everyone of you, who are yourselves Veterans, for your dedication to our country and our people. And to those of you who are not Veterans, but still donate your time and efforts to this cause, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts!”

God Bless you All,

The family of Specialist James W. Janes Sr.

”I was honored to accompany my father, Robert Guilfoyle as his guardian on Honor Flight 19. I can’t say enough good things about our experience. Let me just say thank you!”

Kelly DiMillo 

“This was a trip both my father and I will never forget. It was well planned out for them to see enough of everything in one day without tiring them out. Thank you for the opportunity to be by his side that day and to meet other veterans that were also honored with him.”

Jennifer Lorusso, Mission 20 guardian for her dad Joe Mayo

“It truly was an amazing day from the beginning to the end. I was blown away by all the volunteers and the attention to every little detail. It truly was an honor to be a part of it and I was just a guardian. Michael had a wonderful day. He was moved to tears by the people who greeted us at both airports. (And he is not a sentimental man.  I cried multiple times.) So, thank you, to all the people who made the day so special for our veterans and their guardians!”

Jeanne Brown, wife and guardian, Mission 21

Tarky Lombardi, who passed away last November, flew Mission 20 seven months earlier. The lifelong public servant followed his military service with civic and community leadership. Central New Yorkers of an earlier generation will always remember him as their state senator for 27 years of distinguished service in the upper house of the NYS Legislature. Shortly after Mission 20, his daughter wrote this:

“I had some time to speak with my dad about Honor Flight and I think it had a profound impact on all of us.  Although it took a few days for both he and my mom to fully recover from the whirlwind of emotions and activities, the joy in their voices spoke volumes.  

…my dad shared his sentiments about the day, describing it as nothing short of ‘magnificent.’  The surprises, the camaraderie and the sheer magnitude of the experience left an indelible mark on him.  Hearing him say ‘I am very glad I did this’ after years of cajoling, resonated deeply with me and I am grateful for the opportunity Honor Flight provided.  

I’m still in awe at how the day was orchestrated with such care and perfection.  I am grateful that both he and Matt will have this memory for ever.  Thank you for making it happen.”

Jennine Lombardi