By: Elizabeth Galfo MD, FACP, FAAHPM, HMD-C
The Space Coast Honor Flight goes above and beyond to recognize the men and women who have served in our military. It provides a 24 hour trip that flies Veterans and their guardians to Washington DC and Arlington to visit Memorials dedicated to their service. The whole experience is deeply reverent and moving; it gives solemn pause to reflect on the significance of our service, as well as the great sacrifice that has been and continues to be made for our democracy.
I have served as the Medic on two Space Coast Honor Flights, and wish my father was alive to share this experience with me. He served in the Air Force for 27 years, during WW II, Korea and Vietnam. I received an Air Force scholarship through medical school, and served during Desert Shield/Storm.
The June Honor Flight was planned around the re-opening of the Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington. I was surprised to learn that women who have ever served in our military make up only 0.7% of the population in the United States. The two dozen women Vets on our Flight were honored with a ceremony, during which our stories were read and entered into the MWM archives! It is such a privilege to work alongside the extraordinary staff of the Space Coast Honor Flight. They are truly dedicated to honoring our Veterans, who have helped to protect the priceless freedoms we enjoy every day.