News : Eastern Iowa Honor Flight rescheduled for November 2, 2022 Flight #45 to host 90

On Wednesday, November 2, 2022, the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight will re-launch Flight #45. The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight Board of Directors, along with many volunteer coordinators have been working diligently to ensure the veterans scheduled to board flight #45 have a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to visit monuments and memorials built in honor of their service and sacrifice. The flight was originally scheduled for October 18, but unfortunately, a plane malfunction in the early morning hours forced the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight Board of Directors to make the decision to postpone. "An abbreviated itinerary is not the experience our veterans deserve," states Eastern Iowa Honor Flight Vice President, Jason Brandon. "Our Board made a difficult decision to cancel today's trip to Washington D.C. to ensure this group shares in the same full-experience as veterans on the flights that made the trip before them."

The one-day trip entails visits to the WWII, Korean, Vietnam memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery for a special wreath dedication. With 90 veterans scheduled to board, the flight consists of (9) Korean War, (1) Cold War, (79) Vietnam War, (1) Iraq War veterans. An "all hands on deck" mission began as soon as it was realized the initial flight was not going to depart as originally scheduled. "Preparation for a flight begins nearly a year in advance," states Eastern Iowa Honor Flight Veteran Coordinator, Lynette Voss. "We have been working tirelessly to contact all veterans and guardians, as well as ensure all logistics are in place in Washington D.C. We are committed to making this experience happen for the veterans as they deserve nothing less."

Veterans will begin reporting into the Eastern Iowa Airport at 5:45 a.m. on flight day with an estimated departure time of 7:15 a.m. The flight is scheduled to return to Cedar Rapids at 8:45 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend the "Welcome Home" celebration at the Eastern Iowa Airport, which will involve a military band, flag line, local police and fire departments, and lots of emotions.

Parking in both the long-term and short-term lots is free when you pick up a parking pass at the information booth in the terminal. You will present this pass, along with your parking ticket, when you leave the lot that evening.

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight is an entirely volunteer organization which does not receive any government funding. To support this mission through a donation, please visit our website: www.eihonorflight.org. Donations can be made via check by submitting a donation form or online via PayPal. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated. This flight is generously sponsored by Wild Hogs Saloon & Eatery.

About the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight is a federally recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization staffed entirely by volunteers dedicated to honor and pay tribute to WWII, Korean, Vietnam Era and other Veterans. The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight is an official hub of the Honor Flight Network™, allowing the acceptance of applications from veterans in Benton, Iowa, Jasper, Jones, Johnson, Linn, Marshall, South Tama, Poweshiek and Washington counties. It is our goal to take every veteran that applies. 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. Due to the large waiting list, please apply only once. Your application will be kept on file in the order it was received