Space Coast Honor Flight now flying out of Melbourne

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Space Coast Honor Flight has been giving veterans on the coast flights to Washington, D.C. for years.

That gives thousands of veterans the chance to visit their war memorials on a trip of a lifetime.

Now, those flights are getting even more convenient for residents of the Space Coast.

Philip Wright can be found manning his booth inside Renniger’s Flea Market each Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

His wares include a large selection of toys and games.

“Mostly kids’ things for children,” Wright said.

His booth keeps him busy in his retirement.

Wright served in the Army in Vietnam from 1967 to 1970, and in the Army Reserve from 1978 to 2004 for nearly 25 years, where he played clarinet for the troops.

“Being in the band we went to many parades, it was a very special time,” he said.

More than two decades later, Wright is about to embark on another special journey.

For the first time, he is going on the Space Coast Honor Flight.

So far, the group has taken more than 2,000 veterans on 82 flights to our nation’s capital.

In the past, each veteran has had to make the trip to Orlando for those flights, but starting Saturday, flights will depart directly from Melbourne Orlando International.

That is just minutes from Wright’s Palm Bay home.

“Absolutely a lot easier than going to Orlando,” he said.

And the airport is asking the public to welcome them back that night.

“When the veterans come into the terminal, we want to give them the greatest welcome home, bring flags, bring signs, we want to hear applause,” says Melissa Naughton with Melbourne Orlando International Airport.

Wright is humble in knowing they will get all that support.

“Some of us veterans don’t feel that we’re worth that, but we are looking forward to seeing it,” he said.

Anyone looking to welcome the veterans back can arrive at the airport between 8:30 and 9:30 Saturday night.

The flight gets in just after 9:30 p.m.