PIE hosts 50th Honor Flight welcoming 77 veterans home from D.C.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (BLOOM) — A patriotic welcome is planned at St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) on Tuesday, April 15, as 77 veterans return home from a day-long Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., visiting war memorials built in their honor.
The community is invited to gather at PIE around 8 p.m. to greet the veterans—part of the West Central Florida Honor Flight's 52nd mission and PIE's 50th hosted flight—after their return from the nation's capital on an Allegiant Air charter.
Originally established in 2011 for WWII veterans, the Honor Flight program continues to serve military heroes from various conflicts. PIE itself has historic ties to the military. Before becoming a civilian airport in 1946, it served as Pinellas Army Airfield, a training base for WWII fighter pilots.
'This milestone flight is a celebration of service and sacrifice,' said Tracy Luchtenberg, president of Honor Flight of West Central Florida. 'We encourage everyone to wear their red, white, and blue and help give these veterans a rousing welcome home.'
The District Pub, located before security on the airport's second floor, will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. for guests ahead of the reception. Free parking will be available in both short- and long-term lots for those attending the event.
PIE Airport Director Tom Jewsbury called it a privilege to host the flights, adding, 'It has been our honor to celebrate our veterans and welcome the community. Please join us to thank them.'
Honor Flights offer veterans an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials commemorating their service. The next missions are scheduled for June 10, Sept. 16, and Oct. 21.
For more information, visit www.honorflightwcf.org or contact info@honorflightwcf.org.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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