What began as a single mission to honor WWII veterans by bringing them to see their memorial in 2005 has now honored more than 300,000 veterans in over 129 hubs nationwide. Central Valley Honor Flight lifted off Sept. 16-18 for the 29th flight with 67 Korean and Vietnam war veterans on board. Their journey took them on a private capital tour along with visiting the memorials that both honor their military branches and their service. Participation in the Honor Flight allows each veteran alongside their guardian, to remember the fallen, share their stories and for many, the first time they feel valued and honored for their service. This series highlights many of the unforgettable stories from Central Valley Honor Flight 29 as Fresno Christian Schools aims to raise awareness and funds for this organization during our 39th Annual Homecoming. 

Only about eight percent of navy service members were women in the 1970s-1980s. Robbi Huckaby signed up for the service when she was 18 – not long after high school graduation. She joined four other female veterans who boarded the 29th Honor Flight on September 16, 2024. Huckaby, along with the four other influential women, helped show the significance of women in service and the importance of equality.

”The camaraderie between all of us was one of my favorite parts of the trip,” Huckaby said. “Getting to meet all the female veterans was special because you usually don’t get to meet the other female veterans considering there is only a few of them.”

Paul Loeffler is a volunteer who helps with the preparation and execution of the Central Valley Honor flights. Loeffler has met a number of veterans and continues his help to honor flight veterans all year long. Loeffler is appreciative of all that the women did while serving our country. 

“A lot of people have no idea the contributions that women have made in our armed forces,” Loeffler said. “To have Huckaby and four other female veterans there, is a great way to honor not only them but all the women that have served.”

The women were honored together at The Women’s Memorial in a special ceremony on September 18. They were given service portfolios.

Gallery • 5 Photos

Kori James

Five military women along with guardians that have served are honored at the Military Women's Museum, Sept. 18.

Huckaby joined the United States Navy as a yeoman on March 3, 1971 and served in the office of Personnel Commander, Naval Air at NAS North Island in San Diego. Huckaby initially decided she wanted to attend a trade school after high school graduation. She ended up not enjoying trade school and had a hard time finding a job, until she picked up a newspaper and read a life-changing article. The article was about a young girl who had recently joined the Navy after graduating from high school. With inspiration from the article, Huckaby decided to follow the footsteps of that girl and join the Navy as well.

Looking back, Huckaby does not regret her decision. The navy taught her morals and embedded tenacity into her everyday life – both of which influenced her future and post-Naval career.

“The navy taught me about myself, instilled confidence and discipline, “ Huckaby said. “I met many great people and I would do it all over again without a doubt.” 

Starting her journey in 1971, Huckaby left to go to basic training in Maryland. Her basic training was very intense but each week it improved and so did her “esprit de corps.” That’s a military phrase that means “a feeling of pride, fellowship, and common loyalty shared by the members of a particular group.

Huckaby also gained teamwork skills. After graduating from basic training, Huckaby was stationed at  NAS North Island in San Diego, California as a yeoman. A yeoman’s roles consist of performing clerical and administrative work.  From answering calls, to organizing files, operating equipment, and administering tests, Huckaby could do it all.   

Due to exemplary service, Huckaby was welcomed as one of the participants on the 29th Central Valley honor flight. The goal of the honor flight is to give veterans the opportunity to view their memorials and visualize the impact they have on United States history. Each veteran is accompanied by a guardian to guide them on their honor flight trip. Huckaby’s attendant on her flight was her daughter, Kim Juraez.

Juraez had a memorable experience not only seeing the memorial through her eyes, but through the eyes of her mother and many other veterans.

“I never gave veterans the consideration that they should have been given and being around this generation and seeing the effects the wars had on them was very eye opening,” Juraez said. “I earned a whole other level of respect for them.”

Humility and selflessness are two characteristics that many veterans carry with them. The servicemen and women typically think that they don’t deserve recognition for their sacrifices they made, but honor flight volunteers disagree. Along with Honor Flight staff and volunteers, and Huckaby’s daughter, Juraez, all were grateful to see Huckaby’s sacrifices appreciated and respected.

“She was important, and I don’t ever want her service to our country to be overlooked,” Juraez said.

Without the Honor Flight, many veterans wouldn’t be able to see their own memorial and see the impact they had while sacrificing for the freedom of our country. The honor flight is a special event to all that have the ability to participate in. 

To read more about the honor flight organization visit their Home page. 

To donate to honor flight visit this link. 

 To read more from The Feather visit: Central Valley’s 29th Honor Flight or Fresno community gathers in remembrance of 9/11  

Join us for Fresno Christian’s 39th Annual Homecoming, Oct. 11, 6 p.m.