A lot of people say,“Thank you for your service,” and mean it. But this episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast talks about what it looks like when a whole community turns gratitude into meaningful action. Listen as hostBob Blaisseinterviews Andrew Schiavello, President of Honor Flight Philadelphia, a veterans' non-profit dedicated to giving military service veterans an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built to honor their military service to our nation.

You'll listen to Andrew share how Honor Flight began in service to World War II veterans who often didn’t get the homecoming we imagine, and how the mission evolved as WWII veterans became harder to reach, to focus on Korean War and Vietnam War veterans. The mission becomes clear when Andrew explains how the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is always an emotional stop for many Vietnam War veterans when they see the thousands of names of every fallen veteran etched in the stone panels in that memorial, and why that moment can often bring long-lost closure that family members and friends may never have seen.

You’ll also hear about the logistics of an all-expenses-paid Honor Flight day trip, including meals and a personal “guardian” who accompanies each traveling veteran. Guardians provide assistance with mobility, medications and other simple needs while ensuring that every veteran is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

The day begins in Washington, D.C., with a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by stops at several military service and war memorials throughout the nation’s capital. After enjoying lunch, the veterans begin their journey back to Pennsylvania—but the day is far from over.

One of the most meaningful traditions is “mail call,” when veterans receive and read personal thank-you letters written especially for them. The journey home is equally memorable, often featuring a large motorcycle escort and flags waving from overpasses along the route.

Then comes the emotional homecoming. Upon returning to Pennsylvania, each veteran receives a hero’s welcome, complete with a red-carpet walk as hundreds of family members, friends and supporters cheer them on. The celebration continues with a USO-style “Welcome Home” banquet reception, held in their honor—a fitting finale to a day dedicated to recognizing and thanking those who served our country.

If you live within a reasonable drive to West Chester, PA, consider reporting for duty with the families and hundreds of people of all ages who will gather in the parking lot of St. Simon and Jude Catholic Church, on Sat., Sept. 19, 2026 at 4:30 pm, with anticipation of surprising a hundred Vietnam Veterans with their clapping and loudWelcome Homecheers in gratitude for the youthful military service these aging heroes gave and now, on behalf of a greatful nation, will be honored for their service thanks to you and the mission and volunteers of Honor Flight Philadelphia.

Honor Flight Philadelphia
www.HonorFlightPhiladelphia.org
610-662-1812
[email protected]

--- About The Show---Good Neighbor Podcast is a spotlight on local businesses in and around Delaware County, PA (“Delco” ) and Beyond... The executive producer and host, Bob Blaisse, is a community sponsorship advocate, business branding specialist, and publisher of several hometown magazines, including: Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, Marple Friends & Neighbors and Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors, mailed monthly to more than 12,000 homes in Western Delaware County, PA, and also available for reading online.