Eastern Iowa Honor Flight Takes Flight 51

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight took its 51st flight to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday.

The one-day trip included visits to the World War Two, Korean and Vietnam memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery for a special wreath dedication. Eighty-eight veterans made the trip, including vets from the Korea, Vietnam and Gulf War conflicts. 

Veterans from the KMCH coverage area who were on Tuesday’s Honor Flight included Walter Welling of New Vienna, William Kane of Coggon, Dennis Crawford of Quasqueton, Wayne Heiserman of Independence, John Callahan of Bernard, John Anderegg of Guttenberg, Wayne Bicknese of West Union, Robert Pleiness of Anamosa, Craig Taylor of Wyoming, Rodney Wagner of Clermont, Randall Wiltsey and Keith Brimmer of Center Point, Jon McElderry and Randy Moose of Garnavillo and Joe Cruise, Dale Glawatz, Kenneth Lyons, Stephen McAleer, Lewis Sperfslage and Lloyd Takes of Monticello. 

Flight 51 was named in honor of Collins Aerospace in honor of their generous contributions to the organization. 

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight returned home a little later than originally scheduled on Tuesday night after flight schedules were adjusted due to severe weather in parts of the country. The veterans were welcomed home by family, friends and supporters to the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids with a military band, flag line and local police and fire departments.

photos courtesy of Eastern Iowa Honor Flight