Local Veterans Participate in Eastern Iowa Honor Flight

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight took local veterans on a one-day trip to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday.

It was the 58th Honor Flight out of Cedar Rapids, sponsored by Dave and Mary Coots. Since launching its mission in 2009, the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight has escorted thousands of veterans and their guardians to the nation’s capitol to honor their service and visit the memorials built in their honor. This trip included visits to the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War memorials, along with a special wreath dedication at Arlington National Cemetery.

Local veterans on Tuesday’s Honor Flight included: 

Stephen German of Lamont

Julie Kueter of Coggon

Harold Ingels of Palo

Richard Naaktgeboren of Anamosa

Jacob Noggle of Springville

The veterans were greeted with a‘Welcome Home’ celebration when they arrived back at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids on Tuesday night, with a military band, a flag line, participation from local police and fire departments and an emotional homecoming.  

Tuesday’s Flight #58 was named in honor of David and Mary Coot in recognition of their generous sponsorship, which made the mission possible. The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight does not receive government funding – it is an all-volunteer organization. If you would like to support its mission through a donation, visit eihonorflight.org.

photos courtesy of Eastern Iowa Honor Flight