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 Brandy, 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.
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Last Updated: May 4, 2026 by Honor Flight Arizona
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 Brandy, 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.
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