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 Oct. 13-15 for the 33rd flight with 67 Korean and Vietnam war veterans on board. Their journey took them on a private capitol 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 33.
Barbara Hoadley was born in Columbus, Ohio, to a supportive family that guided her in faith, hard work and perseverance. As a young woman fresh out of high school, Hoadley desired to join the Navy at 17 years old, but her father refused due to her being so young. Four years later at age 21, she made a bold life-changing decision, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps.
In September of 1950, Hoadley quit her job at The Ohio Bell Telephone Company and took a train to Parris Island, South Carolina, that being her first ever train ride. During the Korean War she attended a boot camp as part of “Sgt. Andler’s Angels, Platoon 3A”.
Once arrived at the barracks, the women noticed it was unfit to live in. Being led by Nita Bob Warner, Hoadley and her fellow marines were able to clean the barracks and make it livable.
Throughout 13 years in the Marines, Hoadley experienced and participated in the evolution of women’s roles in the Marine Corps. She served on active duty from 1950-1953 and was discharged as Staff Sergeant Teletype Communications.
During her time in Telecommunications, Hoadley found a passion for working in communications, along with operating teletype machines that sent classified messages across bases.
“I enjoyed working in teletype, always keeping you on your toes. Sometimes we never knew what we were sending; some messages were so confidential, but we knew it mattered.” Hoadley said. “I love knowing I played a part in something important.”
From 1953 Hoadley then continued in the Marine Corps Reserve until 1964, attaining the rank of Technical Sergeant. Her leadership and discipline during an era where female Marines were still rare made her a real pioneer for future female generations in the military.
After leaving active duty, she returned to civilian life with the same determination she displayed in uniform. She moved to Los Angeles and worked for the Howard Hughes Company, then she discovered her passion for being an educator. Hoadley spent over 30 years as an elementary school teacher, teaching 14 years in Los Angeles and another 19 years in Fresno.
Hoadley was known for her patience and compassion, bringing knowledge from the Marines to her classrooms. Hoadley’s teaching displayed her own love of learning, her dedication to the service showing that she had the heart of a marine even off the battlefield.
After retiring from teaching in 2015, Hoadley became involved in honoring veterans and staying in touch with the Marine community. She has attended conventions and reunions as a Life Member of the Women Marines Association, going to Las Vegas, Buena Park, Minneapolis and Charleston to reconnect with women Marines.
Hoadley continues today to follow the Marine Corps motto Semper Fidelis “Always Faithful”.
“Once you’re a Marine, you’re always a Marine,” Hoadley shared. “The lessons, life long friendships, the pride and honor never leave you.”
In October 2025, Hoadley attended Central Valley Honor Flight #33, journeying to Washington D.C., to visit the memorials honoring those who served and sacrificed for our country. This was an amazing and emotional experience that provided Hoadley the opportunity to reflect on her service
During her time in D.C. the most memorable part was visiting the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. CVHF decided to take a side trip to the Women’s Memorial honoring Hoadley and Donna Ray with HerStory Portfolios.
“My most memorable part of this trip was going through the Women’s Memorial,” Hoadley said. “Seeing the stories of all the women who served was so amazing to see, giving me so much pride.”
Outside of her travels as a veteran, Hoadley went happily into a life of retirement, spending the majority of her time relaxing, being with friends, playing golf and missing the camaraderie that arose on and off the golf course. In every season of her life, Hoadley has always been and continues to be a steadfast embodiment of strength, humility and a lifelong service to our country.
To read more about or donate to the Central Valley Honor Flight, visit their home page.
To read more from The Feather Honor Flight series, visit Selah Neal gets on board the mission of Central Valley Honor Flight #33 and Honor Flight: Veteran Richard Ruiz
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