An Honor Flight is a living tribute to our esteemed war veterans' valor, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication. These flights are dedicated to transporting military veterans to see the memorials of the respective war(s) they fought in Washington, DC, at no cost to the veteran. This is not just a flight; it's a testament to the veterans’ selfless service and a bridge to their legacies. Being selected for an Honor Flight is nothing short of a prestigious honor, recognizing these veterans' profound impact on our nation's history. So it hit home for us at Diné Naazbaa Partnership (DNP) when a Navajo veteran, Francis Shirley, was selected to fly with the Honor Flight Arizona last month.
Mr. Shirley is originally from Kin Dah Lichii, AZ, and served in the Korean War from 1954 to 1956. Service to our country runs in the veins of the Shirley family as his daughter, Karen Shirley, is the Community Coordination Associate for DNP. In mid-October, Mr. Shirley, accompanied by Karen, traveled to Washington, D.C., to commemorate his service. The waiting list for this esteemed flight is lengthy, and many are not selected in their lifetime. It is a rare and rewarding event for a Navajo veteran whom DNP has worked closely with to qualify for this meaningful event.
At DNP, celebrating the service of a fellow Navajo veteran in such a manner is a memorable and humbling experience. We are excited to see veterans like Mr. Shirley as they travel to the heart of the nation's capital, where memorials stand tall in honor of them and their indomitable spirit.
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