Honoring Our Nations Heroes

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kelly Goonan

Each day, the number of our living WWII, Korean and Vietnam War Veterans dwindles; many of whom may have never been able to make a trip to Washington, D.C. to see the memorials honoring their service in the United States military. That’s why it is the mission of the Space Coast Honor Flight (SCHF) to ensure our Nation’s Veterans are given the opportunity to visit their memorials in Washington, D.C.

Bill Welser, a retired Air Force Lieutenant General and command pilot with over 3,500 hours in aircraft like the C-5 Galaxy, C-141 Starlifter, KC-10 Extender, T-1 Jayhawk and more than 20 other aircraft, has been the president of the SCHF program for eight years. In just under a decade, Welser successfully led 52 honor flights, ultimately serving 1,325 of our Nation’s Veterans.

He explained he originally got involved as a way to honor people like his father and father-in-law, both WWII Veterans.

“As a retiree, I was looking for a way to honor our Veterans,” Welser said. “I went as a Guardian on the second SCHF trip in June 2011 and volunteered to get more involved because it’s such a great program.”

Welser and a dedicated team of volunteers have spent thousands of hours ensuring each trip is a success. Since the inception of SCHF in 2010, the nonprofit has flown 1,350 WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War Veterans on 53 flights to visit their memorials on the all-expense-paid day trip to D.C.

“When I returned home from Thailand as part of the Vietnam War, people were throwing rocks at the USAF bus we were in,” Welser said. “We had to change out of our uniforms at Travis AFB before going to the San Francisco airport. There were people outside protesting, holding signs calling us awful names. That was our Welcome Home.” He explained that was the standard for many returning Vietnam Veterans.

For World War II , 16.1 million American Veterans served and the homecoming celebration was very short with most simply coming back going to work, having families, and helping to rebuild America. For the Korean War, many returned from the “unknown war” and simply came home with hardly any recognition at all. The Korean War ended in a stalemate, with no clear victor.

“You’ll meet Veterans on every Honor Flight trip that were never adequately recognized for their service and sacrifices when they returned home.” he said.  “And then came Honor Flight, where the American public’s spontaneous recognition of our Veterans is remarkable, heartwarming, and emotional.”

Each SCHF trip includes 25 Veterans, 25 Guardian Escorts, and six staff members. SCHF is supported by donations from individuals, businesses, and fundraisers. The SCHF Board and support staff is 100% comprised of volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time to ensuring every trip is a success.  Proudly 97+% of very dollar received by SCHF goes directly to the program.

If you or someone you know is a WWII, Korean War, Vietnam, or Veteran of any recent conflict, more information can be found at www.spacecoasthonorflight.org or requested by phone:, 1-888-750-2522, or email:  info@spacecoasthonorflight.org.