Eastern Iowa Honor Flight Takes 59th Trip Tuesday

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight took their 59th flight on Tuesday, giving local veterans a unique one–day trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the monuments and memorials built in their honor.

Local veterans participating on Tuesday’s Honor Flight included:

• Marvin Waterhouse of Manchester
• Loras Demmer & Dennis Knipper, both of Greeley
• Douglas Adams & Gerald Clements, both of Monticello
• David Donnan of Anamosa
• Paul Rechterman of Coggon
• Patrick Vance of Hazelton
• Roger Boyd & Jerry Mundt, both of Oelwein
• Steven Brown of Palo
• Jerry Dahlberg of Wyoming
• Edward Handke of West Union
• Alan Martins of Luana
• Bill Porter of Alburnett
• Everd Tuecke of Guttenberg

Tuesday’s Honor Flight included visits to the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War memorials, along with a special wreath ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The veterans were welcomed home Tuesday night at the Eastern Iowa Airport with a celebration including a military band, a flag line, participation from local police and fire departments, and a heartfelt homecoming from family and friends. 

Flight #59 was named in honor of the memorial donations received from family and friends of veterans who have passed before us. 

All Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Reserves, and National Guard veterans who served during wartime or peacetime, whether overseas or stateside, are encouraged to apply. 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.

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight is an all-volunteer organization and does not receive government funding. To support its mission through a donation, visit www.eihonorflight.org. Donations can be made via check by submitting a donation form or online through PayPal. All contributions are greatly appreciated

photos courtesy of Eastern Iowa Honor Flight