Honor Flight Central Florida flies groups of local veterans to Washington, D.C., memorials and returns them home the same day, giving veterans an organized, no-cost opportunity to visit the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam memorials and to take part in ceremonies such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier change of guard.

Fred Robinson, chair of the Orange County mayor's veterans advisory council, introduced the program on Operation Outreach and said the flights provide veterans “a powerful reminder of where they've been, what they've given, and the legacy they carry forward.”

Landy Dunham, chairman of Honor Flight Central Florida, said the national movement began after the World War II Memorial opened in 2005 and that the Central Florida hub opened in 2012. “We're flying about 60 per flight,” Dunham said, describing a full day that begins with an early-morning orientation and ends with a welcome-home ceremony in Central Florida.

Dunham outlined the typical itinerary: an orientation session for veterans and assigned guardians, an early flight from Orlando or Sanford to Baltimore-Washington International (BWI), bus visits to the National Mall and several memorials, a chance to attend the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier change of guard, and an evening return to Central Florida. He credited airport staff, TSA and local first responders for logistical and medical support on flight weekends.

The program is volunteer-run and relies on donated funds and corporate sponsors. Dunham said a typical flight costs about $60,000; veterans pay nothing to participate, while guardians often contribute roughly $500 to cover their airfare and meals. He said donations and occasional corporate flight sponsorships help cover the remainder and that the group posts donation and application details at www.honorflightcentralflorida.org and at Orange County’s veterans resource page.

Dunham described the group’s prioritization: World War II and Korean War veterans are given priority, and terminally ill Vietnam-era veterans are moved forward when possible. He also noted a virtual Honor Flight program for veterans too ill to travel.

Veteran Anthony Johnson, who has served as a guardian and participated in multiple flights, described the program’s emotional impact after accompanying his Vietnam veteran father. “He absolutely loved it, changed his whole perspective on the homecoming itself,” Johnson said, adding that his father became more outgoing and began encouraging friends to sign up for the trip.

Robinson closed the segment by directing viewers to ocfl.net/veterans for links and contact information for Honor Flight Central Florida and local veteran services.

The program is ongoing; organizers continue to recruit volunteers and accept donations to increase capacity and ensure more veterans can take part.