Vietnam veteran returns to Phoenix after dying during Honor Flight trip

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — It was an emotional morning at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Thursday as family members welcomed a Vietnam War veteran again residence to his last resting place after a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the nation’s capital.

Staff Sgt. Bill Tafoya departed Tuesday, April 21, flying from Sky Harbor to Baltimore-Washington International Airport for a Washington, DC-area tour centered on army service and remembrance.

During the trip, the group visited the US Navy Memorial, the National World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial and different websites.

Tafoya grew to become unwell after visiting Arlington National Cemetery, a spot he had by no means been however had lengthy needed to see.

He died shortly after being taken to the hospital.

Honor Flight mentioned Tafoya was an Arizona native, born in Winslow and later moved to Tempe.

He volunteered to be a part of the US Army at 17.

After coaching and assignments that included time in Alaska and Hawaii, Tafoya joined the twenty fifth Infantry Division and deployed to Cu Chi in Vietnam. He served as a “tunnel rat,” a job that required volunteers to enter and clear Viet Cong tunnel programs.

Friends and household mentioned Tafoya spoke with pleasure about his army service and the bonds fashioned in fight, “my brothers,” as he known as them, and he by no means forgot those that didn’t make it residence.

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