Our Mission
Honor Flight San Diego (HFSD) is a non-profit branch of the nationwide Honor Flight Network which consists of over 130 independent “hubs” across America. HFSD escorts veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit their memorials using monies donated by individuals, foundations, associations, business owners and corporations who wish to recognize our veterans’ contributions and thank them for their service and sacrifice to the United States and its citizens.
Top priority for our trips is given to the most senior veterans (WWII and Korea) and to veterans who have terminal illnesses. In Fall 2022, we opened the flight to Vietnam veterans. Our flight is now open to all Veterans who served at any time between 1941-1975, and veterans from any era who have terminal illnesses.
Of all of the wars in history, World War II truly threatened our very existence as a nation and as a culturally diverse and free society. With hundreds of World War II veterans passing away each day, the opportunity to express our sincere thanks to these brave men and women is running out.
Our Korea War veterans were called to serve just five short years after our WWII veterans in what is called “The Forgotten War.” The time for honoring these men and women is growing short as well.
The Vietnam War veterans fought in an unpopular war. They did what their government asked of them and their country did not always support the war effort or their service and sacrifice. Now we have a opportunity to thank these veterans and give them a welcome home that is 50+ years overdue.
We say thank you to all of our veterans and extend a special thanks to our most senior veterans for their dedication and commitment to protecting the freedoms enjoyed by so many here in the greatest nation on earth, the United States of America.
We invite our veterans to join us on your “Tour of Honor” and we hope everyone else can provide a donation that will help support these memorable trips.
Sincerely,
David A. Smith
Founder, Honor Flight San Diego
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement
At Honor Flight San Diego, we are deeply committed to honoring the service of all U.S. military veterans through our mission of providing meaningful visits to their memorials in Washington D.C. Our dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is at the heart of our organization, reflecting our values and shaping our future.
Our Commitment: We are steadfast in our commitment to creating an environment where every veteran, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or background, is respected and celebrated. We actively strive to ensure that our services and programs are accessible to all veterans, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion and equity.
What DEI Means to Us: DEI is not just a set of principles for us; it is a core part of our identity. It means acknowledging and embracing the diverse experiences and perspectives of the veterans we serve. It also means creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all, ensuring that everyone involved—veterans, volunteers, and leaders—feels valued and heard.
Our Mission and Values: Our mission to provide veterans with a memorable and respectful experience at their memorials is deeply intertwined with our DEI values. By promoting diversity and ensuring equity and inclusion, we enhance the quality of our services and affirm our respect for the varied experiences of all veterans. Our values guide us to foster a supportive community where every individual’s dignity is upheld.
The Importance Now and in the Future: In a time when inclusivity and respect are more crucial than ever, our commitment to DEI helps us meet the evolving needs of the veteran community. We recognize that embracing diversity and ensuring equity are vital for the continued relevance and impact of our mission. Looking ahead, we are dedicated to advancing these principles to build a more inclusive and just society, both for today and for future generations of veterans.
Denouncing Hate: We unequivocally denounce all forms of hate, including racism, homophobia, and any other biases. Our organization stands firmly against discrimination and is committed to creating a safe and respectful space for everyone. We believe in the power of empathy and understanding to build bridges and foster unity.
At Honor Flight San Diego, our DEI commitment reflects our dedication to honoring every veteran’s service with the respect and recognition they deserve. We are proud to serve a diverse community and to continually work towards an inclusive and equitable future.