San Diego Honor Flight to Washington, DC
April 2023 – A Hero’s Salute to Rick Alvarado

Rick Alvarado, resident of Champagne Village, was honored and privileged to be chosen to go on the San Diego Honor flight this past April. He was accompanied by his oldest son, Rick Junior, which made the trip even more special for him.
They were able to experience seeing many of the amazing and historical monuments, the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, Roosevelt Memorial, the White House, and many others that were so magnificent. It will be an experience not soon forgotten.
The homecoming was just as impressive with over one thousand family members and friends to welcome and cheer all the veterans home – something many never received on their first arrival home from the wars. My daughter-in-law, Jessica, grandson, Brandon, and myself, were there to spread the cheer and joy. We salute in gratitude the Honor Flight organization that provides this opportunity to many veterans. It brought tears to many and touched their hearts in joy. We pray many will be able to experience this honor.
written by Leonore Alvarado
November 2022 – A Hero’s Salute to Stan Ford & Charlie Service
Our very own Champagne Village Army Veterans, Stan and Charlie, were selected among hundreds of applicants for an Honor Flight to visit Washington D.C. This flight was for a Veteran awarded a purple heart or above. There were 95 brave heroes, and two of them were Stan and Charlie.
The 95 selected veterans boarded the flight at the San Diego airport on November 4, 2022, returning home to a heroes’ welcome on November 6, 2022. All expenses were paid for by generous organizations. The only cash needed was for incidentals. The women volunteers were also veterans and the guardians, who assisted a disabled veteran, paid for their own expenses for the Honor Flight.
Some veterans chose to stay at the Holiday Inn the night before at their own expense. There was a meet and greet in the evening to become acquainted with other Honor Flight Veterans. The next morning, they left the Hotel at 5:30 a.m. to be transported to the airport to board their flight.
This is how Charlie described the entire program: “Remarkable is not a strong enough word to describe this Honor Flight. We were given a Vietnam Veteran jacket, certificates, snacks, and surprise gifts throughout the trip. The leaders and volunteers were upbeat and had a pleasant attitude with smiles and warm hugs. They made sure every one of our needs were met.”
A veteran with a chip on his shoulder did not want to participate, communicate with others, or be touched. Halfway through this program his negative attitude changed. This trip was therapeutic and healing for many of the veterans.


The Vietnam War Memorial is on two acres with 58,300 names on the wall of those that died in the Vietnam War and those missing in action. Charlie did not recognize any names of those he fought with. The Korean War Memorial with life size statues also had names on a wall of those that died.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was so impressive that Charlie hopes to repeat the experience in his lifetime. The Tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to honor an unnamed soldier and in memory of all others that died in the war. In fair weather the guard is changed every hour. In inclement weather the guard is changed every 30 minutes. Charlie received three purple hearts. He says, “I was injured by a machine gun to my leg, hip, and arm. I was medevacked to a hospital in Da-Nang and put in traction for 52 days. The medical procedures were not up to today’s standards. When I was sent back to the States, I was put in a full body cast for six months.”
A Purple Heart award does not distinguish between a surface wound or the loss of an arm or leg. Charlie survived his injuries, but some did not. Charlie encourages every veteran to apply for the Honor Flight. It is an experience we all deserve.
Stan’s thoughts on the Honor Flight are the following: “My daughter, Tracey, flew from Idaho to be my guardian on the Honor Flight. It was wonderful to have her by my side and help me, when needed. She pushed me in a wheelchair and was a delightful companion. I was happy to share this experience with her. For the first time in my life I got to ride in the comfort and prestige of first class.”
Stan and Charlie were surprised with a Mail Call, just like when they were in the military. They want to thank everyone that wrote letters with kind words, warm and loving personal notes. Upon landing Stan and Charlie stayed in a very nice hotel in Baltimore, MD. They were transported by bus with a motorcycle escort, who were also veterans.
The Vietnam Vets’ first experience at the wall was more moving and emotional than they anticipated – it was heartbreaking. The names are immortalized. They visited the following memorials: Air Force, Korean, World War II, raising the flag at Iwo Jima, Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. They saw the Capital, the Pentagon and also enjoyed the fall autumn leaves.
They are confident they speak for all veterans when they say they do not have the ability to express their gratitude for the effort, dedication, labor, teamwork and the love given to them that made the honor flight possible. God bless the team for reaching over the decades and rescuing us from the tragedy of 1968 and all the Vietnam war years before and after.

Stan was awarded a purple heart and five bronze stars. He mentioned that a veteran is sensitive to discussing his combat injuries, unless sharing it with another combat veteran. Stan feels humbled to wear the military uniform of the United States for the sacrifices others have made for our country.
When they landed in San Diego, firemen hosed their plane before exiting. The homecoming was spectacular with nearly a thousand family, friends, and strangers to welcome us with cheers, tears, waving of flags, signs, hugs, and happy smiles. A woman made each of us a red, white and blue afghan. This homecoming was the opposite of when they were active military returning home from Vietnam.
When you see Stan or Charlie, thank them for their bravery, courage, and sacrifices to keep us safe at home and the freedom we enjoy daily. A famous military quote: “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”