Local organization preps for Honor Flight in recognition of fallen Vietnam War veterans
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Honor Flight San Diego is getting ready for their next Honor Flight on April 26, which will honor fallen Navy Seals and Naval Special Warfare Operators from the Vietnam War.
The organization teamed up with the military community to fold flags that will go on the flight to serve as a remembrance for each fallen service member.
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“Everybody gives some, these men gave all in service of their country,” said Holly Shaffner, director of public relations with Honor Flight San Diego.
The ultimate sacrifice was made with an Honor Flight in return.
The flight from San Diego to D.C is done by Honor Flight San Diego. The flight will honor 55 fallen Navy Seals, boat crewmen, and Naval Special Warfare Operators from the Vietnam War.
The servicemen were all killed in action or in training.
On the flight will be 90 Naval Special Warfare Operators from the Korean and Vietnam wars.
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“Nowhere in the history of the Honor Flight network has a flight of Navy Seals and Naval Special Warfare Operators happened, so it’s going to be a historic flight,” Shaffner said.
Before takeoff on April 26, Honor Flight San Diego, along with military community members, folded 55 American flags — one for each member.
The flags and a photo of the servicemen will go on the Honor Flight as a remembrance.
“This is amazing, to have the community support, to come out and do this, and giving back to their fellow brothers and the ones that came before them, this is huge,” Shaffner said.
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“Being able to honor a fellow veteran and letting them know they did a job well done, that they are part of a fraternity of brothers that understand what they did, the hard work that they performed, I’m just proud,” said Charlie Inot, Army veteran.
Inot is a volunteer on the Board of Directors for the Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation. Inot served 22 years in the Army, including one tour in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. He also took part in an Honor Flight in 2022.
Inot said the flight allows veterans to open up to each other.
“They are going to be able to talk about their experiences with fellow vets who understand what they are talking about,” Inlot said.
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To the military service members who continue to give all, every day, “We can never repay the gratitude of what these men have given to their country. So today is huge for honoring our Naval Special Warfare Operators that gave everything,” Shaffner said.
The Honor Flight homecoming into the San Diego International Airport will take place on Sunday, April 28 at 1:15 p.m. The event is open to the public, with recommendations to arrive early by noon.
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