By Josh Bradshaw; Brandon Bleess, MD, EMT-T, FAAEM, FAEMS
Editor’s note: This article was inspired by “The Write Stuff,” a session EMS1 contributor Rob Lawrence presented at EMS World Expo, which encouraged EMS professionals to share their experiences and expertise with the wider community. If you have a clinical insight, leadership perspective or personal story to tell, we invite you to submit your article for consideration. Learn how to contribute to EMS1.
The roar of applause fills Peoria International Airport as dozens of veterans — many in their 80s and 90s — step off the plane to a hero’s welcome. Firefighters salute, children wave flags and paramedics stand ready to assist, ensuring that every veteran returns home safely.
For the members of Advanced Medical Transport (AMT) and the Greater Peoria Honor Flight team, it’s not just another standby — it’s a mission of gratitude. Since 2013, the Greater Peoria Honor Flight (GPHF) has carried thousands of Central Illinois veterans to Washington, D.C., for a day of remembrance and reflection, free of charge. The flights honor those who served, heal unseen wounds and remind communities of the debt we still owe to those who signed the dotted line.
Founding and mission
The GPHF was founded in 2013 by three sisters — Phyllis Piraino, Margaret Hanley and Mary Dunaway — who saw the need for a local hub of the national Honor Flight Network. The program serves veterans from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, offering them the chance to see the memorials built in their honor.
The first flight departed on June 4, 2013, marking the start of what would become a cherished Central Illinois tradition — one filled with emotion, pride and community spirit.
Community-driven support
Entirely volunteer-run, GPHF depends on community donations, sponsorships and fundraisers. One of its most impressive grassroots efforts is the “Nets for Vets” program, also launched in 2013, involving local students to raise funds through school activities. To date, Nets for Vets has contributed over $300,000 — proof of the deep local pride that sustains each flight.
This outpouring of support demonstrates that honoring veterans is not just a one-day event; it’s an enduring community commitment.
Medical support for heroes
The medical team for the Greater Peoria Honor Flight is made up of paramedics, prehospital registered nurses, and EMS system medical directors working together to manage the health and safety of veterans. The team takes care of a wide variety of issues, including one veteran participant who was on a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD). The team is led by Dr. Brandon Bleess.
(Photos/Courtesy AMT)
A key part of every Honor Flight is ensuring that veterans can safely complete their “day of honor.” Each flight is supported by a robust medical team — physicians, nurses and prehospital providers — who ensure that every participant, regardless of medical complexity, is cared for with dignity.
From insulin administration for diabetics, to monitoring left ventricular assist devices for cardiac patients, the medical staff makes these experiences possible for veterans who might otherwise be unable to travel. AMT, in partnership with the Peoria and East Peoria Fire Departments, provides medical standby paramedic services on each flight. This partnership ensures advanced life support equipment and experienced personnel are available throughout the journey, offering peace of mind to veterans and their families.
AMT often deploys paramedics who are themselves veterans, making the mission deeply personal.
“As a representative of AMT, I was afforded an amazing opportunity to be a part of a team composed of multiple healthcare professionals, surrounded by veterans and their loved ones, being honored and empowered for their many sacrifices,” Nicole Hughes, AMT CCT paramedic and PHRN, and program lead for AMT’s medical support initiative, shared. “The Honor Flight allows the community — from all walks of life — to come together as one, ensuring that each veteran and each member of their family knows what an honor it is to serve those who have served our country.”
The flight experience
Each Honor Flight begins the night before, with a pre-flight dinner where veterans, volunteers and medical staff gather to share stories and anticipation. The following morning, the veterans depart Peoria International Airport on a chartered flight bound for the nation’s capital.
Once in Washington, D.C., they visit both service-specific and national memorials, including:
- The World War II Memorial
- The Korean War Veterans Memorial
- The Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard
As the day winds down, the emotional centerpiece of the trip begins — Mail Call. On the return flight, veterans receive letters and messages of thanks from family, friends and community members. Once back in Peoria, hundreds of supporters pack the terminal for a hero’s welcome, waving flags, holding signs and cheering. For many veterans, it’s the first time they’ve heard “thank you” in such a public, heartfelt way.
Local news outlet 25 News (WEEK) provides live coverage of each flight, capturing these powerful moments for the entire region.
Notable flights and ongoing impact
Every flight brings its own stories of service and gratitude. The 31st flight, held in June 2024, carried 74 veterans, including Army veteran Craig Eveland, who served in Thailand during the Vietnam era. Despite weather delays, the experience proved profoundly moving for all involved.
GPHF continues to plan multiple flights each year, working tirelessly to ensure every eligible veteran gets the opportunity to make this journey. As of 2025, thousands of Central Illinois veterans have participated in what many describe as the most meaningful day of their lives.
“On April 1, 2025, I witnessed raw emotion being poured out, healing occurring, cherished friendships sharing tears and smiles and, most importantly, I witnessed civilians appreciate and pay homage to the 1% of Americans who sign that dotted line,” Hughes said. “Our veterans deserve to be welcomed home with dignity, pride and love. There are many ways to become involved in this amazing experience — locate your local hub and get involved.”
Get involved
Whether through volunteering, donating or simply lining the airport walkway to welcome veterans home, there are countless ways to support your local Honor Flight. Each gesture, no matter how small, helps ensure that every veteran receives the thanks and recognition they deserve.
The success of the Greater Peoria Honor Flight reflects the best of Central Illinois — compassion, unity and respect for service.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.honorflight.org.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Josh Bradshaw serves as community resource manager at Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois, the largest ambulance service provider in Illinois. He manages initiatives that strengthen partnerships between EMS providers, healthcare systems and community organizations, including a vast public access AED network and grant program.
With extensive experience in prehospital care and public safety, Josh is dedicated to advancing innovative programs and building partnerships that strengthen healthcare delivery and community care across the region.
A former journalist of 23 years, Josh loves to illuminate the good work done by EMS personnel and medical mission volunteers worldwide.
Dr. Brandon Bleess is an emergency medicine physician at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center. He also serves as the medical director for OSF Life Flight. Dr. Bleess received his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOMP), where he is now a clinical assistant professor. Dr. Bleess coordinates the many facets of healthcare support for the Peoria Honor Flight.
