Some of Monroe County’s oldest and most revered World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War heroes will soon get the trip of a lifetime to Washington D.C. on the first dedicated “Southernmost Honor Flight.”
Sponsored by Honor Flight South Florida, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to honoring the most senior veterans in Broward, Dade and Monroe counties, the free flight is a “race against time” to give veterans the opportunity to visit the nation’s capital and reflect at the memorials built in their honor, while they are still physically able to. Organizers have been mobilizing community support and spreading the word.
“No one has ever done this type of ‘homecoming’ for our Monroe County veterans, so it will be very special when it happens and we want the entire Keys community involved,” said Ryan Paton, co-founder and director of operations for Honor Flight South Florida.
A military-themed kick-off party at Dillon’s Pub, located at 91200 Overseas Hwy. in Tavernier, on Saturday, July 26 invites community members to learn how they can get involved in a variety of ways, from cheering on the veterans as they head out of town to helping fund the trip. Steve Caron, owner of Dillon’s Pub and a veteran himself, will get the party underway from noon to 3 p.m. The event will include a meet and greet and the introduction of 11 veterans who have already been selected for the flight.
“This is to honor all the veterans who gave so much,” Caron said. “Many of my family members have served and I have also served, so it’s nice to give back.”
There will be complimentary finger foods. Those who attend are encouraged to wear patriotic attire and donate $20 to the cause. After Dillon’s Pub, the party will move to Pinfish Entertainment next door. Caron has been working closely with other business owners and organizations in the area to pay it forward to South Florida’s most senior veterans. The Elks Lodge, Islamorada Moose Lodge and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, among others, have already committed to supporting the trip. Caron said local volunteer Shy Martin has been instrumental in garnering support and connecting him with others.
The “Southernmost Honor Flight” will take to the skies on Sept. 6. A Keys “send off” will take the place of the typical “homecoming,” since the group is flying in and out of Fort Lauderdale. The “send off” will take place at several locations in Monroe County, including Dillon’s Pub, on Sept. 5, where local schools, clubs, businesses, police, fire departments and more will come out to honor Keys veterans as they embark on their historic trip.
The group will stay overnight in Fort Lauderdale for free, thanks to a sponsorship from Aero Engine Solutions, and fly the next day on Spirit Airlines, which sponsors the airfare. Honor Flight South Florida has flown Monroe Veterans since 2012, giving veterans police escorts and bus transportation around D.C. for the one-day mission.
For more information on how to get involved with Honor Flight South Florida or submit a veteran for consideration, visit honorflightsouthflorida.org.
