Southwest Florida Honor Flight president reflects on emotional Mission XXV ahead of ABC7 special
Marcus manages the day-to-day editorial workflow across all brands, coordinating coverage assignments and ensuring editorial standards are met. He previously served as city editor at the Pioneer Press and holds a degree in Political Science from Carleton College.
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SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - More than 70 veterans, one unforgettable journey to our nation’s capital.Last month, ABC7 traveled to Washington, D.C., for Southwest Florida Honor Flight’s Mission XXV, witnessing firsthand the emotional moments as veterans visited the memorials built in their honor.With ABC7’s special presentation of Heroes Among Us just days away, Southwest Florida Honor Flight President Naomi Copeland joined ABC7 to reflect on the mission, the moments that left a lasting impression and how the community can help honor more veterans.Among the biggest takeaways for Copeland was the number of highly decorated veterans aboard the flight, including recipients of multiple Purple Hearts and Bronze Stars with Valor.Equally powerful was the recognition of 12 women veterans at Arlington National Cemetery.“I feel that they’re the forgotten veteran,” Copeland said. “We don’t tell them thank you enough. We walk right past them and thank their husband and don’t think that maybe they serve