Nearly Ninety Veterans on Eastern Iowa Honor Flight #52

Flight #52 of the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight is making a one-day trip to Washington, D.C. today.

Since the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight began operations in 2009, nearly 5,000 veterans have been transported to the nation’s capital, along with their guardians. The trip entails visits to the WWII, Korean and Vietnam memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery for a special wreath dedication.  

Nearly ninety veterans who served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War are on today’s flight, along with non-combat vets. Veterans from the KMCH listening area who are getting a chance to experience today’s Honor Flight include James Boge and Larry Sickles of Manchester, Keith Baumhardt of Earlville, Edward McCloud of Ryan, Vincent Higgins of Winthrop, Eldon Casey of Cascade, Paul Thomsen and Arlene Sellars of Anamosa, Robert Pohlmann and Ricky Cooper of Central City, Joseph Moser of Guttenberg and Charles Williams and Michael Givens of Alburnett.

Flight 52 is named in honor of the Honor Float and Honor SXS Ride for their generous contributions to the organization over multiple years. 

Everyone is invited to attend the “Welcome Home” celebration at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids tonight beginning at 7:30 p.m., which will include 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.

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight is an entirely volunteer organization that does not receive any government funding. To support this mission through a donation, please visit eihonorflight.org. Donations can be made via check by submitting a donation form or online via PayPal.

photo courtesy of Eastern Iowa Honor Flight