Eastern Iowa Honor Flight Marks 50th Flight

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight is taking its 50th flight today. 

Since the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight began operations in 2009, 49 flights have transported well over four thousand veterans and their guardians to Washington, DC. The trip provides visits to the WWII, Korean and Vietnam memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery for a special wreath dedication. 

Today’s flight is bringing 88 veterans to the nation’s capital, including vets from Korea and Vietnam, as well as two from World War Two. Veterans from our area on today’s Honor Flight include Dave Loecke and Burdette Stone Jr. of Manchester, Alan Link of Dyersville, Jarrod Lamphier of Lamont, Jerry Haag of Monticello, Donald Hanson and Thomas Krapfl of Center Point, David Christen, and Neal Van Horn of Wadena, Gregory Reierson and Steven Zabokrtsky of Walker and Thomas Sperfslage of Central City. 

In addition to being a milestone, this flight is commemorative for WWII veteran and past board member Mike Wilson and his late wife, Esther. As one of the first members of the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight chapter, Mike has been devoted to the mission since day one. While the mission of this non-profit organization has always been to provide veterans with a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to visit monuments and memorials built in honor of their service and sacrifice, the funds have not always been readily available. Mike and Esther have made multiple significant donations to ensure that each veteran has had the opportunity to see the memorials that stand in their honor. 

Other honorable guests on the flight include all four previous Eastern Iowa Honor Flight Board Presidents and veterans Roger Uthof, Allen Steckl and Dick Bell. 

Everyone is invited to attend the “Welcome Home” celebration at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids beginning at 7:30 p.m. tonight, which will feature a military band, flag line, local police and fire departments and lots of emotions. The flight is scheduled to return to Cedar Rapids around 9 p.m. Parking in both the long-term and short-term lots is free when you pick up a parking pass at the information booth in the terminal.

photos courtesy of Eastern Iowa Honor Flight