Eastern Iowa Honor Flight Taking 55th Trip Today

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight is taking its 55th trip 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 includes visits to the World War Two, Korean War and Vietnam War memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery for a special wreath dedication. 

About a dozen veterans from the KMCH listening area are among the nearly 90 veterans on today’s Honor Flight – including Kenneth Albert of Independence, James Bettis of Peosta, Charles Casey of Cascade, Jon Custis of Anamosa, Douglas Helgeson of Monticello, David Howe of Central City, Lawrence Huinker of Elkader, Marvin Johnson of Walker, Joseph Laban of Bernard, Richard Staab of Guttenberg, Lowell Tiedt of Anamosa and Robert Vans Coy of Elkader. 

The public is invited to welcome the veterans home tonight. The Welcome Home Celebration will take place at the Eastern Iowa Airport at 7:30 p.m. featuring 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.

Two more Eastern Iowa Honor Flight will be taking place later this year, set for September 23rd and October 14th.

All 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. 

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

photos courtesy of Eastern Iowa Honor Flight/FB