A flight to remember: Patrick Casey’s Honor Flight journey

When Patrick Casey, a Customer Service Agent and veteran in Bakersfield (BFL), boarded the Honor Flight, it wasn’t just a journey through the skies; it was a journey through time, reflection, and deep appreciation. A proud Navy veteran and current team member at Piedmont, Patrick embodies a life built on service, teamwork, and dedication.  

Piedmont is proud to support and participate in multiple Honor Flights through the Honor Flight Network, a national nonprofit organization with a powerful mission: to transport America’s veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to honoring their service and sacrifice. These flights are provided free of charge to veterans and are often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially for those from the WWII, Korean, and Vietnam War eras. For many, it’s the first opportunity they’ve had to see the memorials built in their honor, and to receive the heartfelt gratitude of a nation. The program serves as a living tribute, reconnecting veterans with their legacy and with one another, while giving communities a chance to say, “thank you.” 

For Patrick, the Honor Flight was more than a trip; it was a deeply moving tribute. “They made sure we knew they respected our service,” he recalls, describing the overwhelming welcome home, where hundreds of local neighbors turned out to show their support. The experience was carefully managed with military-like precision, from briefings to logistics, reinforcing the values he holds dear: dependability, trust, and being ready, always. 

Patrick’s experience in the Navy as an avionics crew leader took him across the globe, to Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Guam. On those long-haul flights, he learned how to connect with people from all walks of life, appreciating different cultures and building lifelong respect for teamwork. “You learn how important it is to get along with all types of personalities and cultures,” he says. This foundation served him well, both in his military service and later in his work in commercial aviation, where he continued to prioritize respect and positive interactions with passengers. 

Working at Piedmont, Patrick has seen firsthand how the aviation industry honors veterans. He praises our management and personnel for supporting veterans’ needs and for fostering a culture that values military-style teamwork. “Piedmont shows respect for veterans,” he says, “and that allows us to continue sharing and living out the values we learned in the military.” 

Honor Flights also reflect the heart of Piedmont’s values; Caring and Community. They show what it means to truly care for others, to uplift those who’ve served, and to bring people together in moments of shared reflection and gratitude. Whether it’s a team member like Patrick being honored or a group of volunteers ensuring a memorable journey, the spirit of community and compassion is at the center of every flight. 

“On time means late. Early means ready,” Patrick says, quoting a core military principle that has shaped his professional life. 

Patrick also believes in passing these values. He frequently shares stories from his Navy days with younger people and colleagues. “I’ve learned a lot from the Piedmont team,” he adds humbly, showing that even as a mentor, he’s always open to learning. 

His message to the next generation is clear: “Treat your teammates as you want them to treat you. Be ready. Be aware of your surroundings. Safety and security are always expected from your teammates and management.” 

Patrick Casey’s Honor Flight wasn’t just a tribute to his past; it was a celebration of the values that continue to guide his life. Through service, teamwork, and unwavering commitment, Patrick reminds us of all what it truly means to honor, and to be honored.