Eastern Iowa Honor Flight Taking 54th Trip Today

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight is taking its 54th flight today.

The flight from Cedar Rapids to Washington, D.C. is a one-day trip for eastern Iowa veterans to visit the monuments and memorials built in their honor. Today’s trip will include visits to the World War Two, Korean War and Vietnam War memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery for a special wreath dedication. 

Several veterans from the KMCH listening area are on today’s Honor Flight – including Dennis Meggers of Dundee, Gene Holthaus of Edgewood, David Lasley of Monticello, James Hoskins of Coggon, Laddie Nachazel of Central City, William Roffey of Anamosa, Jon Kopecky and Gerald Bishop of Brandon, Paul Fritz of Oelwein and Carl Steinlage of West Union.

The public is invited to welcome the veterans home tonight. The Welcome Home Celebration will take place at the Eastern Iowa Airport, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The event will feature a military band, a flag line, local police and fire department participation, and an emotional homecoming. 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 with a parking pass, which can be picked up at the information booth inside the terminal.

Today’s Eastern Iowa Honor Flight is one of four taking place this year, with the others set for May 14th, September 23rd and October 14th.

Veterans are welcome to apply to go on a Honor Flight at eihonorflight.org. Priority is given to World War II and Korean War veterans, as well as those with catastrophic illnesses. The next priority is given to Vietnam War veterans, followed by veterans of other conflicts. Veterans do not need to have served in combat to be eligible. Due to a large waiting list, applicants should apply only once; applications will be kept on file in the order they are received.

If you’d like to support the Honor Flight and its mission, you can also make a donation online at eihonorflight.org.