Mission

Honor Flight San Diego is a non-profit charitable organization that recognizes the service and sacrifices of American veterans. We transport regional heroes to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at memorials built in their honor. Thanks to generous donors, grant funders, and sponsors, all veterans participate in the Honor Flight program completely free of charge. Priority is given to senior veterans from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and terminally ill veterans. Since its founding in 2010, Honor Flight San Diego has flown more than 2,000 veterans to D.C., each of them unique in their life experiences and all of them eager to connect with peers and feel genuine appreciation from the public. Honor Flight San Diego delivers 1-3 programs per year, based on available funding. These carefully planned all-inclusive programs include the trip to D.C. and are tailored to meet the needs of program participants who are 1) U.S. Military Veterans; 2) mature adults/seniors; 3) unlikely to be able to afford the trip on their own; and 4) may not be able travel without the safety measures and physical assistance Honor Flight provides. Positive social interactions with peer groups, recognition and affirmation, and safety are key components of the program. One Honor Flight program can serve 90-100 veteran participants and 90-100 volunteer Guardians, for a total of about 200 participants served per program. The total program cost to Honor Flight San Diego for each veteran participant, including a round-trip flight from San Diego to D.C., is $3,000. The total number of individuals indirectly impacted by the program is currently unknown; however, evidence from family and community members shows our programs bring positive and lasting benefits. The effect and long-term positive impact of Honor Flight participation can be profound for veterans and guardians. Relationships forged often last long beyond the trip, and participants and their family members report that the trip positively affects mental health, increases social networks, and increases overall sense of purpose. For every participating veteran, and for many guardians, the Honor Flight San Diego program will serve as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. When asked about his Honor Flight experience upon returning to San Diego, one WWII veteran replied, “This was the best weekend of my life”. Honor Flight San Diego serves veterans from San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside County. Veterans from this region are welcomed to complete the program application on our website.