For Frank Simons, giving back to his community isn’t just a pastime, it's a pillar of his identity. When he learned about Puget Sound Honor Flight (PSHF), a nonprofit whose mission is to take WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the monuments built in their honor, he knew he had to get involved. The veterans are accompanied by volunteer guardians that ensure they are cared for and comfortable throughout the journey. As a veteran himself, Frank immediately felt a personal connection to the mission. In September 2025, he joined PSHF as a guardian, ready to serve once again.

At the cornerstone of Frank’s career is his dedication to serving those in need. This journey began when he joined the Navy and volunteered for submarine duty, an experience that taught him the value of teamwork and being part of something larger than himself. After the military, he continued to serve others in various capacities before finding a new way to give back closer to home. Today, he and his wife, Juli, run Senior Service Consultants, a Mill Creek based business that helps families find the right assisted living options for their loved ones. Guiding families through such an important decision has become a fulfilling experience for Frank. It's this same spirit of compassion that made him the perfect fit for PSHF.

Becoming a part of PSHF also meant joining a deeply rooted mission that resonates throughout Western Washington, a region that is home to thousands of veterans. Since the Washington chapter’s founding in 2013, PSHF has flown more than 1,500 WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans to Washington, D.C., giving them the opportunity to reflect on their service among peers who understand their journey. “You deserve to be championed and thanked,” Frank told the veterans. Thanks to generous sponsors and volunteers, this experience is given at no cost to the veterans. Each trip depends on guardians like Frank, who act as not only caretakers but also as friends and companions to the vets throughout the trip. 

Frank had the privilege of accompanying two Vietnam War veterans, ensuring their experience was meaningful and memorable. He witnessed firsthand the care and intention that went into every detail of the trip. Themes of honor ran through the experience that started even before taking off. The team was given a TSA escort to a gate decorated in red, white, and blue. Airport staff eagerly offered their thanks, including the flight's pilot, who personally requested this flight in honor of her father who was a Vietnam War veteran. Upon landing in Baltimore, the group was greeted by members of the BWI Brownies Motorcycle Club, who escorted the buses to their next stop. It was a powerful gesture of respect.

Most on this trip were veterans of the Vietnam War, and their time at the war’s memorial was especially moving. Standing before the wall of names, emotions ran deep. Frank witnessed how the vets were “so grateful to have a memorial for their service but by the same token, grief and gratitude that their names were not on it.” This scene served as a powerful reminder of the cost of service and the strength it takes to carry those memories. The visit also became a moment of connection, as veterans shared stories with one another and with visitors who stopped to express their gratitude. Beyond the Vietnam memorial, the group also toured several other sites, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where they were given a special viewing area. There, two Korean War veterans laid a wreath in honor of their fallen comrades, a solemn and unforgettable moment for everyone present.

The celebration of their service followed them home. At Sea-Tac Airport, friends and family eagerly awaited their arrival, cheering as the veterans made their appearance. The sound of applause filled the air, echoing through the building. Frank recalls how deeply this moment moved the veterans, especially those from the Vietnam War who hadn’t always been welcomed home this way. For many, it was the homecoming they had waited a lifetime to receive.

Having worked with the senior community here in Mill Creek for many years, Frank knows there are many more veterans who deserve the chance to see what our nation has built in their honor. He encourages anyone who knows an eligible veteran to nominate them to go on this meaningful journey. If Puget Sound Honor Flight’s mission speaks to you, consider volunteering. “Nobody who goes on this trip comes back unchanged,” said Frank. With each passing year, there are fewer veterans able to make the journey, which is why we must honor them while we still can.

To learn more visit: pugetsoundhonorflight.org