Each week on “5 Minute Salute” our host Chris Budihas talks to veterans making a difference in their communities. Today, Chris has the honor to speak with Selena Hernandez Haines of First Coast Honor Flight, Inc.
Short description of you or your company:
First Coast Honor Flight is a registered 501c3 nonprofit and part of the nationwide Honor Flight Network. Our sole mission is to transport senior Veterans to Washington, DC at no charge to visit the memorials that were built in their honor.
What Is Your Why (Why Do You Do What You Do)?:
To honor the service and sacrifice of Northeast Florida Veterans.
How did you get started in your field or work?:
I volunteered upon learning that there was no Honor Flight Hub in place for Northeast Florida.
What’s one thing we should know that makes you or your company unique?:
Everyone who works with First Coast Honor Flight (FCHF) is a volunteer: Board members, Guardians, and a small army of dedicated volunteers who work behind the scenes. Because of this, 95 cents of every dollar donated to FCHF goes to making the flights happen.
What are your biggest goals in the next 6 to 12 Months?:
- Expand outreach to Veterans in our 8-county area of responsibility.
- Increase Board diversity and establish presence in each of those counties to facilitate Veteran outreach.
- Build relationships with corporate sponsors to ensure we can continue offering Honor Flights to area Veterans.
