Long Time Honor Flight Arizona President Retires
Rick Hardina, President of Honor Flight Arizona, shared this note:
“After proudly serving for quite a number of years as President of Honor Flight Arizona, I very recently found it time to step down from that position. I notified members of our Board of my decision on July 20, 2025.
“As a replacement for the position of President, I nominated a person that has spent many years serving on our Board—a person who possesses intricate knowledge and understanding of every nuance of our organization, and who is capable of representing and fiercely defending the best interests of Honor Flight Arizona. That person was Diane Franzese (pictured below with me).
“A vote of our Board was held, and Diane was unanimously elected as the new President of Honor Flight Arizona. I know that Honor Flight Arizona will prosper under her leadership!
“I hope to continue on as a member of the Board of Honor Flight Arizona.
“Please extend congratulations to Diane when you next see her!
“Once again, it has truly been an honor to have served as President of this amazing organization!
“Best Regards!”
Congratulations Diane they couldn’t have made a better choice
I was privileged to go on the hundredth Arizona honor flight and meet both of you. I praise God for all the Board Members and volunteers who touch so many veterans lives.
Thank Rick and Diane for dedication and compassion for Veterans.
Respectfully;
Michael Fanning
Congratulations Diane, I agree with you being a great choice. I met you in 2022 when I also took the Honor Flight to Washington, DC. A Trip I will never forget and had such a memorable time. Anytime you need any assistance please let me know.
Blessings,
John F. Veal, Jr.
Vietnam Veteran
Outstanding job, sir. My trip was 2 years ago, and ut remains the best flight and tour.
My assigned companion was wonderful…thought of everything. Thanks to your personal organizational skills. Your leadership will be missed !
As a member of the Color Guard that has seen the Veterans depart Sky Harbor I want to Thank You for giving us the opportunity to be there and for your assistance in all of item that have come up. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with you Rick and look forward to seeing you on future Honor Flights. Semper Fi and God Bless.
THANK YOU!!!!
You can retire with tremendous pride in the leadership and success you have achieved as the President!!!
Guardian x2
Dennette (Dee Dee) Klute Evans
Rick, thank you for your service! The flight you were on with my father and I is something I will never forget. I continually talk to veterans and suggest to them to complete the paperwork and take the flight themselves. The thing I remember most was when I was pushing my father in the wheelchair at the WWII War Memorial and some school kids were leaving. They all started clapping, coming up to my father and shaking his hand. It still brings tears to my eyes and gives me hope in our young people.
God bless America!
Congratulations on your retirement . I have been on the list for about two years. Still awaiting my time.
Edward, thank you for your patience as we work through our very lengthy waiting list!
Thank you Rick for your leadership. My journey with Honor Flight Arizona to our nation’s capital a couple years ago, led by you and your dedicated crew, was easily one of the most impactful experiences of my life. May God bless you going forward.
Thank you for your service. I was honored to fly on May 24-25, 2023 after being promoted by Jack Bishop and it was indeed a special honor. I shall savor the memories for as long as I live.
Peter A. Klein
I was able to accompany my World War !! Vet HELEN LOAGUE several years ago. Helen lived to be 100 years old and passed on Flag Day. Very appropriate. So nice to honor the women as well. We actually had another female on our flight. You were our fearless leader. Fond memories to this day.
Mr. Rick Hardina. I want to thank you for your services over the years. When I did the Honor Flight, it brought back many memories and made me so proud to serve my Country. Myself and the thousands of Military Veterans thank you and your staff for giving us this wonderful opportunity.
Rick your energy, enthusiasm and love of our Veterans has been an inspiration to all who have worked with Honor Flight. It is about time you were given an “at ease”! It has been my honor and the Armed Forces Support Groups honor to have shared our experiences over the years! I am looking forward to finally being a guardian next month and sharing the experience with you!
Well done and congratulations!
Thanks so much for your service and dedication to veterans. I was on a flight a few years ago, and the experience renewed my faith and hope for the future of our country. Job well done!
Rick ,you are loved by so many Veterans and their families like my son and I when you flew us to Washington September 15,2019…Your unique personality allowed you to care for each of us Vietnam Veterans as though we were all family. Thank you for caring and giving us the memories of a lifetime..
Rick, thank you for honoring the veterans for this memorable trip to DC. It was a pleasure to meet you and your peers. I happened to be one of two females on this flight and the only female Vietnam veteran. I will never forget the kindness and laughs that we all shared. Please keep these trips flying; they are so important for all of us to feel honored and special.
Rick,
Your years of service to Arizona Honor Flight allowed so many Vets to feel the gratitude and pride that the trips offer. Nobody knows the amount of effort and time that you invested. You are such an amazing man and have served this organization with dignity and selflessness. “Thank you” does not even begin to cover it. It was always a high point working with you, traveling with you, and getting to know you. Keep enjoying life!
All of my respect,
Scott Kurbat, M.D.
Rick, thank you for your years of service, to Honor Flight Arizona and all the veterans you assisted. It is very much appreciated. Best wishes for the future.
Diane, thank you for stepping into the position of President of Honor Flight Arizona. May you have years of rewarding experiences.
Thank you so much for your leadership and dedication for the veterans, along with all our volunteers. We hope you thoroughly enjoy your retirement.
Rick. I was on Apr 22 ,2025, with my son. You went far and beyond for me and my son. Enjoy coffee at Basha ‘s I will never forget the trip and crew and especially you
Congrats to both of you . I have never seen an organization run as smooth as Honor Flight Arizona .
Diane , I still carry my tag on my walker and recommend the flight to all veterans that I meet.
Mel & Mike Weekley
Congratulations to both of you! My husband (Rick Miller) and I had the honor of being HF guardians back in 2015 with Rick and Lisa. Gosh, doesn’t seem like it was that long ago. What a trip it was! Best thing I have ever done in my life. Thank you for everything you have done over the many years to make this program a success. Your dedication and love for our military is what we should all strive for. It truly was an honor to be with these brave men and women. My husband and I talked about doing it again but sadly he unexpectedly passed away Sep 15, 2023. I hope to be a guardian again in 2026. Rick, enjoy your well earned retirement. Keep up the amazing work you do Diane.