Local Veterans Travel on 53rd Eastern Iowa Honor Flight

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight took their 53rd flight to Washington D.C. on Tuesday.

Since the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight began operations in 2009, nearly 5,000 local veterans, along with their guardians, have been transported to Washington, DC. The trips entail visits to the WWII, Korean, and Vietnam memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery for a special wreath dedication. 

Veterans who served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War, as well as non-combat veterans, all boarded Tuesday’s flight. Local veterans from the KMCH listening area on Tuesday’s Honor Flight included Duwane Phelps of Colesburg, Tom Raithel of Strawberry Point, Art Petsche of Sand Springs, Henry Miller of Fayette, Dale Strand and Tommy Nations, both from Oelwein, and James Benter, Jerry Hahn and Ron Schemmel, all of Monticello. 

The veterans arrived home late Tuesday night to a welcome home celebration with family, friends and supporters at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids. 

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight is an entirely volunteer organization that does not receive any government funding. 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. You are still eligible and encouraged to apply even if you did not serve in combat. To apply or support this mission through a donation, visit eihonorflight.org.

photos courtesy of Eastern Iowa Honor Flight