Vietnam Veteran William Tafoya’s Final Mission
Honor Flight Arizona completed Mission #124 to Washington, D.C. on Thursday, April 23.
The joy felt on our three-day journey of thanks and remembrance was dampened by returning to Phoenix with one less hero than we departed with on Tuesday, April 21. William Tafoya, one of our Vietnam Veterans became ill during the trip, was hospitalized, and died on Saturday, April 25. His sons, Eric and Richard, accompanied him as Guardians on the trip and stayed with him.
Our Board of Directors worked with the Tafoya family to assist them with arrangements. Mr. Tafoya was returned with honors to Phoenix on Thursday, April 30.
We offer a heartfelt “thank you” to Southwest Airlines, with special recognition to Phoenix-based agents John, Michelle, and Brandi, for their exceptional assistance. Their unwavering dedication, outstanding support, and compassion made a significant difference.
Funeral services for Mr. Tafoya are scheduled on Monday, May 11 at 11:00 a.m. in Avondale. Details are available in his obituary. We are humbled that his family asked for donations to be made to Honor Flight Arizona in Bill’s honor.
Click on the image below to watch a memorial video honoring Mr. Tafoya.
Thank you so much for honoring my tio Billy. This trip is one he looked so forward too. Thank you for taking care of my Tia and cousins during this time. You made a hard time so peaceful. Thank you for filling the dreams of the veterans.
What a beautiful welcome back home for Mr. Tafoya! It was an honor to meet him and his sons on the Honor Flight. My thoughts and prayers are with the Tafoya family.
I cannot say enough good things about the Honor Flight staff and veterans on this trip. As a guardian, it was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. Sincere thanks to my veteran friend, Val and all who make this experience so wonderful!
Best ran Organization I’ve seen . Thank you for your dedication. RIP my friend .
I want to thank you.
Honor flight of Northern AZ
When Dad became hospitalized.You made it so my brother and I didnt have to worry about where we got our rest. Honor flight took care of our hotel room until we left.
I am truly thankful .
Several of us marvelled at Bill’s perseverane, through great pain and difficulties, to walk, every Tuesday and Thursday, into Abrazo West Hospital… take the elevator up to the 5th floor…. and join us for Cardio Rehab. (In fact, he showed UP several of us!) He was committed to ensuring his good health continued to get him to Washington.. and, we hoped, far beyond. He lit up the room with his sweet smile and soft spoken words. He shared kindness with us all and, was, indeed, a quiet leader of our group. We all wished him well as he finished his ‘tour’ with us and was to head off for the Honor Flight. He wanted to stay longer with us…. and, OH, how we wish he could have! Salute to Bill… who reminded us what true love of country and serving looked like. WE were the honored ones.
Several of us marvelled at Bill, every Tuesday and Thursday, as he drove into the parking lot, eased out of his mammoth truck and walked to and through the doors of Abrazo West Hospital.. elevatored up to the 5th floor and joined us for Cardio Rehab. Bill was absolutely intent on ensuring his health to attend the ceremonies in Washington in April. His sweet smile, kindness and demeanor belied his commitment to making his body strong enough to make the trip with his beloved sons. Despite obvious pain and difficulties, he ‘beat’ many of us, handily, regularly… always with a dismissive grin to imply it was ‘no big deal’.! He was a heart-felt leader for us; reminding each of us that we had the power to heal, if only the will-power to use it! We all were waiting and watching for that wonderful trip he so longed….. as the tribute to him was a remarkable, long awaited, reward for living the RIGHT life!! He wanted to stay in the program longer… and we surely wish he could have. Thank you, Bill, for showing us the very best of America… those who fought so we can be free. RIP.
I am so sorry to hear about Billy Tafoya’s passing. It was an honor to meet him and his sons on the trip. He was an honorable man for serving our country so valiantly. My prayers go out to his family at this solemn time. May God give all of you strength to go forward.
God Bless!!