News : Eastern Iowa Honor Flight Announces 58th Flight to Washington, D.C.

Flight to include 90 veterans from across Eastern Iowa

On Tuesday, April 21, the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight will depart on Flight #58, generously sponsored by Coots Materials Company. Since launching its mission in 2009, the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight has escorted thousands of veterans and their guardians to Washington, D.C., to honor their service. This trip will include visits to the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War memorials, along with a special wreath dedication at Arlington National Cemetery.

"We invite the entire community to join us in welcoming our heroes home," said Lynette Voss, president of the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight. "The 'Welcome Home' celebration is a powerful way to show our appreciation for these veterans. Your presence and support send a clear message of gratitude for their service and sacrifice."

Veterans will begin reporting to the Eastern Iowa Airport at 5:30 a.m. on flight day, with an anticipated departure at 6:45 a.m. Community members are encouraged to attend the Welcome Home celebration at the airport, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The event will feature a military band, a flag line, participation from local police and fire departments, and an emotional homecoming as the flight returns at approximately 9 p.m. Complimentary parking will be available in both short-term and long-term lots with a parking pass, which can be obtained at the information booth inside the terminal.

Flight #58 is named in honor of David and Mary Coots of Vinton, in recognition of their generous sponsorship, which made the mission possible.

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. Contributions may be made by check using a donation form or online via PayPal.

About the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, staffed entirely by volunteers, dedicated to honoring and paying tribute to veterans of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and other conflicts. The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight is an official hub of the Honor Flight Network™, accepting applications from veterans in Benton, Iowa, Jasper, Jones, Johnson, Linn, Marshall, South Tama, Poweshiek, and Washington counties. Its goal is to provide every eligible veteran with the opportunity to participate.

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.

Local Veterans scheduled to board Flight 58 include:

Russell Grafton, Atkins

James Hill, Mount Auburn

Harold Ingels, Palo

Keith Schmuecker, Watkins

Robert Pailthorpe, Elberon 

James Mahurin, Vinton 

Dennis Coots, LeClaire