Eastern Iowa Honor Flight Travels to Washington DC

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight took their 48th flight out of Cedar Rapids on Wednesday.

The flight carried 87 veterans to Washington, D.C. for a one-day “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity. While in the nation’s capital, they were able to visit monuments and memorials built in honor of their service and sacrifice, including the memorials for World War Two, the Korean War and Vietnam, as well as Arlington National Cemetery for a special wreath dedication.

The veterans on Wednesday’s Eastern Iowa Honor Flight had served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and National Guard. Local veterans from the KMCH listening area on Wednesday’s Honor Flight included Harold Ries of Earlville, Dennis Kloser of Dyersville, Ronald Vorwald of Worthington, Lawrence Putz of Farley, Leon Rausch of Epworth, Gerald Harvey of Strawberry Point, Donald Steuri of Monticello and Bruce Novak of Monticello, along with John Pearson, Michael Howe and John Pieper of Anamosa and Lowell Schultz and Lew Wescott of Independence. 

The veterans were greeted by family, friends and supporters during a “Welcome Home” ceremony at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids last night.

Since the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight operations began in 2009, more than four thousand veterans, along with their guardians, have been able to experience the trip to Washington, D.C. 

All Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Reserves, and National Guard veterans serving during war or peacetime, overseas or stateside are encouraged to apply. Priority is given to WWII and Korean War veterans, as well as those with catastrophic illness. Next priority is given to Vietnam veterans, followed by those from other conflicts. And you are still eligible and encouraged to apply even if you did not serve in combat. Due to the large waiting list, please apply only once. Your application will be kept on file in the order it was received.

photos courtesy of Eastern Iowa Honor Flight/FB