Newsletter (July2026)
Read our July/August 2026 newsletter recap: Mission 23’s D.C. trip, WKBW coverage, community fundraisers, and upcoming events like Taste of Buffalo and our Golf Tournament.
Newsletter (June 2026)
April was a milestone month for Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight as Mission 22 took flight, sending four Vietnam-era Veterans to Washington, D.C. for the trip of a lifetime. From an emotional send-off in Bradford, PA to heartfelt moments at the national memorials, the stories coming back from Mission 22 remind us exactly why this work matters. Read on for updates on the upcoming Golf Tournament, a new office move, and ways you can support our Veterans this May.
Newsletter (May2026)
April was a milestone month for Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight as Mission 22 took flight, sending four Vietnam-era Veterans to Washington, D.C. for the trip of a lifetime. From an emotional send-off in Bradford, PA to heartfelt moments at the national memorials, the stories coming back from Mission 22 remind us exactly why this work matters. Read on for updates on the upcoming Golf Tournament, a new office move, and ways you can support our Veterans this May.
Newsletter (April 2026)
The April 2026 newsletter highlights the start of the organization’s flying season, with Mission 22 scheduled for April and a milestone 10-year anniversary flight (Mission 23) planned for June. The group recently moved into a new headquarters in Williamsville and celebrated a successful fundraising meat raffle.
They also shared upcoming opportunities, including volunteering at the Taste of Buffalo and attending a “Welcome Home” event for returning veterans. The annual golf tournament is sold out, but sponsorships and donations are still being accepted to support their mission.
Additional content includes introducing new board members, spotlighting a longtime volunteer, sharing a veteran appreciation outing through “Tickets for Troops,” listing April events and birthdays, and encouraging applications for veterans and volunteers.
Newsletter (March 2026)
Board of Directors Spotlight
Get to Know the Team Behind the Mission
Have you ever wondered how our Board of Directors first became involved with Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight? Each month, we’ll shine a spotlight on one board member so you can get to know the dedicated leaders who help make our mission possible.
This month’s spotlight: Tom Petrie, President of BNHF
Tom has been involved with Honor Flight for 14 years—four years with Honor Flight Buffalo and the past ten serving as President of Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight. His inspiration comes from honoring his late father, a decorated WWII Veteran.
Tom is passionate about ensuring that, as a country, we never forget the sacrifices our Veterans have made for our freedom and that future generations learn and appreciate their service. He vividly remembers his first night with BNHF as “history in the making in Western New York,” with the launch of the new HUB. One of his most memorable moments was attending the first flight and meeting Senator Bob Dole.
While Tom is not a Veteran himself, he comes from a proud four-generation military family, including service in the Revolutionary War, World War I, World War II, and the National Guard.
Professionally, Tom serves as an HR Manager for Tops Markets, supporting 25 stores. He has been married to the love of his life, Phyllis, for 47 years and is a proud father of two daughters and grandfather to four grandchildren. In his free time, Tom enjoys gardening, spending time with family, cheering on the Buffalo Bills, and traveling to the Adirondacks.
Tom says it best: “I’m proud to lead such an awesome team.”
Attention Golfers — Save the Date! ⛳
Snow may be on the ground, but we’re already dreaming of sunshine, blue skies, and a great round of golf for an incredible cause!
The Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight 6th Annual Golf Tournament is officially in the planning stages and will take place on Wednesday, September 16th at Diamond Hawk Golf Course.
This annual event offers a fantastic day on the course while directly supporting our mission of honoring Veterans—truly a win for everyone.
Early Bird Sponsors Wanted!
Early Bird Sponsors will have their logo featured on our official golf brochure, shared with past tournament golfers, potential new golfers, and community supporters.
🗓 Early Bird Deadline: February 20, 2026
📞 Contact: Kathy Brown, Golf Tournament Chair
📱 716-870-7758 | ✉️ kbrown681@gmail.com
Warm weather, great golf, strong community support, and an even greater cause—September will be here before we know it. Let’s tee up something amazing together!
Newsletter (February 2026)
Board of Directors Spotlight
Get to Know the Team Behind the Mission
Have you ever wondered how our Board of Directors first became involved with Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight? Each month, we’ll shine a spotlight on one board member so you can get to know the dedicated leaders who help make our mission possible.
This month’s spotlight: Tom Petrie, President of BNHF
Tom has been involved with Honor Flight for 14 years—four years with Honor Flight Buffalo and the past ten serving as President of Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight. His inspiration comes from honoring his late father, a decorated WWII Veteran.
Tom is passionate about ensuring that, as a country, we never forget the sacrifices our Veterans have made for our freedom and that future generations learn and appreciate their service. He vividly remembers his first night with BNHF as “history in the making in Western New York,” with the launch of the new HUB. One of his most memorable moments was attending the first flight and meeting Senator Bob Dole.
While Tom is not a Veteran himself, he comes from a proud four-generation military family, including service in the Revolutionary War, World War I, World War II, and the National Guard.
Professionally, Tom serves as an HR Manager for Tops Markets, supporting 25 stores. He has been married to the love of his life, Phyllis, for 47 years and is a proud father of two daughters and grandfather to four grandchildren. In his free time, Tom enjoys gardening, spending time with family, cheering on the Buffalo Bills, and traveling to the Adirondacks.
Tom says it best: “I’m proud to lead such an awesome team.”
Attention Golfers — Save the Date! ⛳
Snow may be on the ground, but we’re already dreaming of sunshine, blue skies, and a great round of golf for an incredible cause!
The Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight 6th Annual Golf Tournament is officially in the planning stages and will take place on Wednesday, September 16th at Diamond Hawk Golf Course.
This annual event offers a fantastic day on the course while directly supporting our mission of honoring Veterans—truly a win for everyone.
Early Bird Sponsors Wanted!
Early Bird Sponsors will have their logo featured on our official golf brochure, shared with past tournament golfers, potential new golfers, and community supporters.
🗓 Early Bird Deadline: February 20, 2026
📞 Contact: Kathy Brown, Golf Tournament Chair
📱 716-870-7758 | ✉️ kbrown681@gmail.com
Warm weather, great golf, strong community support, and an even greater cause—September will be here before we know it. Let’s tee up something amazing together!
Newsletter (January 2026)
Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight kicks off January 2026 with important updates, including our 10-year anniversary celebration, upcoming 2026 flight dates, volunteer opportunities, and January events. Read on for key dates, veteran resources, birthdays, and ways to get involved in honoring our veterans.
Newsletter (December 2025)
Message As we approach this joyful season, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you. The holidays are a time for celebration, reflection, and togetherness; and I encourage you to take this opportunity to connect with family, friends and neighbors.
I am very grateful for the kindness and support to our veterans throughout our 2025 flying season. Your support of our organization’s fundraising programs is clearly evident in the results we achieved. Our golf tournament chairperson (Kathy Brown) and her committee raised an incredible amount, in excess of $40,000! Our 2025 meat raffle raised over $13,000.
Newsletter (November 2025)
5th Annual Golf Tournament Held September 10, 2025
The weather was perfect, the course was in fine shape, and our golfers were ready to play!
On Wednesday, September 10, 148 golfers, many volunteers and the Diamond Hawk staff enjoyed our 5th annual golf tournament. Thank you to everyone that came out to support us, whether you won at “Hit It To Win It”, took a shot at the “Happy Gilmore” hole, tried your luck at Honor Flight Drop Zone, took a chance on our many raffles or just came out to play your best game of golf, WE APPRECIATE YOU!!
2025 Golf Tournament at Diamond Hawk of WNY
Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight had the privilege of hosting one of our most memorable fundraising events yet — a golf outing at the incredible Diamond Hawk Golf Course. With perfect weather, amazing people, and an unforgettable atmosphere, the day was a hole-in-one for our mission and for the veterans we serve. Diamond Hawk isn’t just […]