News : Eastern Iowa Honor Flight announces flight to Washington DC. Flight #49

Eastern Iowa Honor Flight announces flight to Washington DC. Flight #49 will include 87 veterans

On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight will launch Flight #49. The mission of this non-profit organization is to provide veterans with a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to visit monuments and memorials built in honor of their service and sacrifice.

Since the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight began operations in 2009, 48 flights have transported 4,330 veterans, along with their guardians to Washington, DC. The trip entails visits to the WWII, Korean, Vietnam memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery for a special wreath dedication.

With 87 veterans scheduled to board, the flight consists of (5) Korea, (2) Korea/ Vietnam, (71) Vietnam, (2) Vietnam, Lebanon/ Grenada, (2) Panama, Gulf War/ War on Terrorism, (1) Gulf War/ War on Terrorism and (4) other conflict veterans. "Many flight veterans never received a "thank you" when they returned from their service. As a community, this is our chance to make up for that," states Eastern Iowa Honor Flight President, Dick Bell. "Our mission is to make the day one they'll never forget."

Veterans will begin reporting to 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.

Flight 49 is dedicated to the VA hospital and the services they provide to the veterans served. "Our healthcare teams are deeply experienced and guided by the needs of veterans," said VA Registered Nurse Tammy Walton. "We are honored to have this dedicated to the VA Healthcare System as we take great pride in providing our veterans with outstanding health care."

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight is an entirely volunteer organization that 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. All donations are greatly appreciated.

About the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight 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.