News & Newsletters
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The next generation offers gratitude, in writing
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In NewsRead More: The next generation offers gratitude, in writingHonor Flight Syracuse missions always include something that’s been near and dear to anyone in the service…especially those who were stationed far from home: Mail Call. Click here to watch Lacey Leonardi’s story from Mission 23.
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Couples who serve together, stay together
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In NewsRead More: Couples who serve together, stay togetherMission 23 included 3 married couples who both served our country…and made the Honor Flight together in September. Watch reporter Lacey Leonardi’s story here.
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Two HFS World War II veterans honored by American Legion
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In NewsRead More: Two HFS World War II veterans honored by American LegionThe article that follows is reprinted with permission of the American Legion. A four-hour marathon session kicked off the 107th Annual Convention of the NYS American Legion on Thursday, July 17 at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, formerly the Hotel Syracuse. Highlighting the initial moments was a standing ovation for two centenarians from the Greatest Generation…
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Korean War veteran recalls how the guns of war fell silent the day the truce was signed
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In NewsRead More: Korean War veteran recalls how the guns of war fell silent the day the truce was signedMatt Rizzo of North Syracuse was one of the “messenger boys” that day in 1953. Click the arrow below to hear him tell the story during his visit to Washington on Mission 23.
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”I realized I was holding my resentment too long”
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In NewsRead More: ”I realized I was holding my resentment too long”“As someone who had to keep my serving in Vietnam secret so that my mother would not get berating telephone calls from people. Then also hiding my homecoming after that service I was overwhelmed with emotion as a returning Honor Flight Honoree when I saw the Welcome Home Banner in the airport and all the…
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“Stunned by the sheer number of volunteers”
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In NewsRead More: “Stunned by the sheer number of volunteers”I was stunned by the sheer number of volunteers, each trained for a specific job, every one of them pleasant, smiling, and caring. And the coordination with the tour buses, fire departments, food delivery, and so much more – amazing. While you were celebrating America’s war heroes, just know that you and everyone involved in…
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Honor Flight Newsletter (Summer 2025)
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In NewsletterRead More: Honor Flight Newsletter (Summer 2025)“A day I will never forget” Letters like this one are why Honor Flight Syracuse is “in business.” The business of giving our veterans the respect and honor they have so richly earned. Read More Save those bottles and cans please! Honor Flight Syracuse depends entirely on the generosity of individuals and businesses to fly…
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Thank you, Kathleen!
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In NewsRead More: Thank you, Kathleen!Honor Flight Syracuse would like to recognize Kathleen Hanley “For Volunteer Service Above Self In Support of our Veterans and the Honor Flight Syracuse Board.” That’s what the Volunteer Appreciation Award plaque reads, but those words only go so far to describe her service. Kathleen Hanley joined the Honor Flight Syracuse team prior to Mission…
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”Ole Sarge” inspires huge 10-year fundraiser
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In NewsRead More: ”Ole Sarge” inspires huge 10-year fundraiser$23,950! That’s the size of that over-sized check presented to Honor Flight Syracuse this summer, proceeds from the 10-th annual Whitney Memorial Poker Run. We are simply overwhelmed with the generosity of Constantia VFW Post 7325 and everyone who supports this yearly fun event on the north shore of Oneida Lake. Over the last decade,…
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Honor at Home
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In NewsRead More: Honor at HomeFrom time to time, a veteran on our waiting list to fly has a significant downturn in their health, preventing them from making the trip to Washington. On such occasions, volunteers with Honor Flight Syracuse may have the opportunity to visit the veteran in their home, and offer personal gratitude for their service to our…
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What a Celebration!
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In NewsRead More: What a Celebration!Independence Day and a 103-rd birthday party for WW2 combat veteran and POW John Shott. On the 4-th of July, Honor Flight volunteers Tom and Pat Richards joined the party at Pitcher Hill Community Church in North Syracuse. 50 of John’s family and friends were there along with State Senator Christopher Ryan who read a…
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“A day I will never forget”
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In NewsRead More: “A day I will never forget”Letters like this one are why Honor Flight Syracuse is “in business.” The business of giving our veterans the respect and honor they have so richly earned. “Dear Syracuse Honor Flight,Thank you to everyone that put allof their time and effort into puttingMission # 20 together for the 81 veteransWho were able to travel on…
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Save those bottles and cans please!
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In NewsRead More: Save those bottles and cans please!Honor Flight Syracuse depends entirely on the generosity of individuals and businesses to fly our veterans to Washington. One easy way to help out is by donating your returnables! Our next bottle and can drive is now scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, October 4th and 5th, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day at…
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Honor Flight Newsletter (Spring 2025)
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In NewsletterRead More: Honor Flight Newsletter (Spring 2025)If you ever think your gift to Honor Flight might not make a difference…take a listen To send our veterans to Washington, Honor Flight Syracuse depends entirely on generous donations, small and large, throughout the year. Without your support, the flights simply couldn’t happen. Read More ”You’re all family when you’re over there” Vietnam vet…
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“Mail Call!”
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In NewsRead More: “Mail Call!”The return flight to Syracuse each mission day includes a large envelope of cards and letters for each veteran. Those cards and letters are the loving work of dozens and dozens of people young and older who love our veterans. Some of the thank-you cards for Mission 22 on May 3-rd came from these members of…
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Circle your summer calendar for July 19!
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In NewsRead More: Circle your summer calendar for July 19!It started 10 summers ago, in 2015. The Whitney Memorial Poker Run quickly became one of our biggest annual fundraisers. Featured on the official poster for this year’s event is the “old Sarge” (our Dad). Natalie Dodson started the Poker Run in memory of her stepdad, Korean War veteran Richard Whitney. Richard passed away before…
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”You’re all family when you’re over there”
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In NewsRead More: ”You’re all family when you’re over there”Vietnam vet Ron Cihocki of West Leyden swept 15 miles of road every day for mines as a combat engineer. On the ground in Washington on Mission 22, Ron shared an emotional moment with us at the Vietnam wall as he talks about “my two guys” who didn’t make it home. Click here to watch…
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50 years after the Vietnam war ended, Honor Flight veterans tell their story
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In NewsRead More: 50 years after the Vietnam war ended, Honor Flight veterans tell their storyThank you Don Cazentre and the Post-Standard/syracuse.com for a powerful story from Mission 22. And thank you Butch and Wally for your service! Read the story by clicking here.
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”Very moving, very touching”
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In NewsRead More: ”Very moving, very touching”Dave Sanders of Auburn served us in the Navy from 1955-1975, during the Cold War and Vietnam era. He served on aircraft carriers assigned to anti-submarine squadrons. He flew Mission 22 with his guardian/grandson Ray Miles. Watch his reflection here.
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”I lost a lot of brothers there…”
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In NewsRead More: ”I lost a lot of brothers there…”“I lost a lot of brothers there…but I had to be here for closure.” Vietnam veteran Wally Gaworecki Jr. flew Mission 22 with his guardian/son “Wally 3.” At the Vietnam wall, Wally shared a moment with videographer Andy Robinson: