Wiregrass Honor Flight Seeks Support as Veterans Wait for Their Chance to Visit Washington

(PENSACOLA, Fla.) - SOMETHING YOU MAY NOT HAVE HEARD ABOUT … Wiregrass Honor Flight for veterans

For many military veterans, visiting the memorials in Washington, D.C., is an opportunity to reflect on their service and remember those who never returned home.

In September, Wiregrass Honor Flight gave 17 veterans that opportunity through a three-day, all-expenses-paid trip to the nation's capital. The group departed from Pensacola International Airport on Sept. 15 and returned Sept. 17.

The trip, known as Mission IV, honored veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

But as the Enterprise, an Alabama-based nonprofit, prepares for future flights, founder Travis Parker says the organization faces a growing challenge: about 100 veterans are waiting for their chance to go.

"We've flown about 60 veterans so far and have around 100 on our waiting list," Parker said.

The organization typically takes 15 to 17 veterans on each trip. Parker hopes to secure a major sponsor to charter an aircraft that could accommodate 60 to 80 veterans at once.

A Mission Named for a Veteran Who Continued to Serve

Mission IV was named the "Bobby Enfinger Honor Flight" in recognition of Vietnam veteran Bobby Enfinger, who served as an Army infantryman in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970.

After returning home, Enfinger continued supporting fellow veterans. He served for 12 years as president of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 373 and has been involved with Disabled American Veterans for more than 30 years.

He has also helped Wiregrass Honor Flight connect with veterans in the community.

Among the September participants was Willow Adams, a 100-year-old World War II veteran.

Melinda Early, who retired in 2008 as a master sergeant after 30 years of military service, was the only female veteran on the flight.

A Journey Through Military History

Wiregrass Honor Flight organizes visits to memorials and other historic sites in Washington, D.C.

Parker said the organization's trips generally include the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Other destinations have included Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Marine Corps War Memorial and memorials honoring the Air Force and other branches of service.

During the most recent trip, Parker said, the group also participated in a wreath-laying ceremony and visited the Military Women's Memorial.

The organization sometimes arranges meetings with members of Congress and military leaders.

For Parker, a Vietnam-era veteran, the trips carry particular meaning for those who returned from war without a warm reception.

"For our Vietnam veterans, it carries added meaning because more than 50 years ago, we never got the welcome home we should have," he said.

Parker recalled that some veterans struggled with how they were treated after returning home, including difficulties finding acceptance within veterans organizations.

"The honor we show them on the trip helps with that healing process," he said.

A Welcome Home in Pensacola

When the veterans returned to Pensacola International Airport on Sept. 17, their aircraft received a water cannon salute.

Community organizations, military representatives and volunteers gathered to welcome the group.

Among those participating were approximately 30 ROTC members led by Mark Almazan, identified as a U.S. Air Force cadet captain.

The Santa Rosa Pipes & Drums also joined the celebration, along with representatives of the Sons of the American Revolution, American Legion Auxiliary and Northwest Florida Patriot Guard Riders.

Members of the Patriot Guard Riders escorted the veterans for part of their journey back to Enterprise, Alabama, where another welcome awaited them.

Mission BBQ provided food for the group during departure and return.

How Veterans Are Selected

Wiregrass Honor Flight accepts applications from veterans who served in any military branch between 1941 and July 31, 1991, according to Parker.

Priority is given to terminally ill veterans, followed by those who served during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War era. Within each service category, applications are considered in the order received.

The number of participants depends largely on available airline seats and funding.

Parker said the organization's first flight carried eight veterans. Subsequent trips have generally included 15 to 17 participants.

The nonprofit also provides guardians to accompany veterans during travel and assist with mobility needs.

Photo credit: A water cannon salute welcomes the returning Wiregrass Honor Flight aircraft at Pensacola International Airport./ Reporter: Tracey Gambill.

Why Pensacola?

Although Wiregrass Honor Flight is based in Enterprise, Alabama, it has used both Pensacola International Airport and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport for its trips.

Parker said Pensacola was selected partly because of its experience handling Honor Flight groups.

The organization primarily serves Alabama veterans but has also transported participants from Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and other states.

It is exploring Montgomery and Panama City as possible departure locations to reduce travel time for participants.

More Flights Planned for 2027

Wiregrass Honor Flight is planning several additional events.

A special flight for female veterans affiliated with the Daughters of the American Revolution is planned for March 2027. The organization expects to take 12 veterans on that trip, with the state DAR organization raising funds.

The next regular Honor Flight is scheduled for May 2027.

According to Parker, participants are expected to spend the night of May 10 in Pensacola, depart early on May 11, and return on May 12.

The organization is also planning a Virtual Honor Flight and reunion in January for veterans who may be unable to travel. The event will include presentations, photographs, and videos intended to provide an experience similar to visiting the memorials.

Funding Remains the Biggest Challenge

Wiregrass Honor Flight depends on donations and grants to cover travel and other expenses.

Parker said the organization recently received two grants and has begun receiving contributions from local businesses. However, expanding the program will require considerably more support.

"A charter flight will cost around $100,000, and we're approaching businesses, civic groups, veterans organizations and individual donors," Parker said.

He hopes a chartered aircraft would allow the nonprofit to transport substantially more veterans than its current flights.

The need is becoming more urgent as veterans age.

"About every other month, we lose a veteran from our waiting list because they pass away or their health declines to the point that they can no longer fly," Parker said.

For the organization, the goal is to give as many veterans as possible the opportunity to visit the memorials while they are still able to make the journey.

For information about Wiregrass Honor Flight, veteran applications, or supporting future trips, contact Travis Parker at (334) 245-9992. For any questions, comments, or concerns, you can contact Travis Parker, Wiregrass Honor Flight President, at President@WHFal.org, www.WHFal.org, or by phone at 334-494-7846. 

LeRoy McCarter Video:

Veteran LeRoy McCarter discusses his Honor Flight experience in the following video:

Video courtesy of Travis Parker

To add to or correct any information in this report, please get in touch with me at tracey.g@lead4earth.org