A special group of women made history recently when they embarked on the inaugural Flight of Honor to visit the many monuments and military memorials in Washington, D.C.
More than 100 women veterans boarded a flight in Polk County, Florida, near Tampa, to take part in the historic trip, hosted by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs on March 11. The event correlated with Women’s History Month.
With thousands of mostly male veterans embarking on Honor Flights in the past two decades, last week’s trip was solely for the ladies.
While it was a long day, the 120 veterans enjoyed the experience, which began bright and early before sunrise. The group ate breakfast together at the Hilton Hotel, chatted with new friends, then traveled to Lakeland Linder Airport to prepare for their unique trip.
Important Recognition for Women Veterans
From the Korean War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, women veterans on the trip spanned multiple generations. Melanie Levitz, one of the younger veterans, spent 12 years in the Air Force on active duty, including 11 more years in the Reserves.
Levitz told Spectrum Bay News 9 she was honored to take part in the trip and was most looking forward to seeing the Women’s Memorial in D.C.
“When you’ve come together and serve for your country, there is always that fellowship, the community, the camaraderie and, of course, the teamwork,” said Levitz. “And having each background from all around the world and be here to experience this moment is very special.”
Levitz, who is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, said the organization worked for two years to fund and plan the Flight of Honor.
“It’s the largest group of women veterans to come out of Florida to experience D.C. for a day and see these beautiful monuments,” Levitz said in a Facebook post. “I’m standing on the roof of the Women’s Memorial Center, and we have four chartered busses waiting outside for us. It’s a beautiful remembrance of all the women who’ve served.”
Shirley Combass, who spent 28 years in the Army, said events like this are important, not just during Women’s History Month.
“It’s important that women are recognized and appreciated for the service that we’ve done, whether they’re in combat, administrative support, or behind the scenes in the nursing field,” Combass said.
Combass rose to the rank of first sergeant, retiring from the military in 2013. While she previously served as a guardian on an Honor Flight out of Tallahassee, for her and more than 100 other women veterans, the Flight of Honor was truly significant.
Stops on the trip included the Lincoln Memorial, lunch at the Women’s Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
“One of the women on the trip got to see her mother’s grave for the first time,” Levitz said. “Pretty amazing breakthroughs and experiences here with these powerful ladies.”
Patriotic Welcome Home
Around 7:30 p.m., the group came back to Florida to receive a warm, patriotic welcome at Lakeland Linder Airport, including a special program honoring their service. The return home featured a visit from Congressman Scott Franklin, a Navy veteran, representing Florida’s 18th District.
“These remarkable women answered our nation’s call to serve, and it was a privilege to thank them personally for their sacrifice and dedication,” Franklin posted on Facebook. “I was also proud to present each veteran with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition and a challenge coin honoring their service to our nation. Welcome home and thank you for your service!”
The General Federation of Women’s Club is active in the Polk County community, preserving the arts, protecting natural resources, and working with programs to support local K-12 education.
