Dear Honor Flight,

My father and I were fortunate enough to be a part of the Honor Flight festivities, flights,  and day of touring in Washington DC on April 21, 2026. We want to thank you all for  giving us the opportunity to be a part of this extraordinary program. Our sincerest  appreciation goes out to all the Honor Flight board members, donors, Fire and Police  Departments, Sponsors, Volunteers, Photographers, Band Members, Arby’s, Chick-Fil-A,  Hy-Vee, Pilots, Bus Drivers, Tour Guides, Citizens of Iowa and Washington DC, and all  others who helped make the April 21, 2026, Honor Flight from Cedar Rapids, Iowa  possible. You all are an integral part of such a wonderful program. It took an incredible  amount of time and effort on your part to organize the trip to honor those who served  our country. Our appreciation for all of you is unending because of your dedication and  support and respect for our veterans!

We were pleasantly surprised to find we could participate in the trip to Washington DC  on April 21st. Two people that I know of, Mary and Karen, worked hard to make this  happen. Mary, by finding a sponsor for me as a guardian for dad and Karen managing  all the other details to get us on the flight and allow us to participate. Despite Karen's  briefing, I was unaware of the enormity of the project and how the trip would affect us  when we arrived at the airport at Cedar Rapids. Dad had not been around this many  Veterans in one area since he left the Navy and I was humbled, as I looked around at all  the men and women who served our country.

The whole trip was a wonderful tribute to our veterans from start to finish. Being able to  be a part of the program, seeing the National Monuments, watching the veterans as  they opened their “Mail Callâ€� letters and packages, spending time reflecting, speaking  with the other veterans and seeing the outpouring of community spirit from those in  Iowa and in Washington, DC was such a blessing and a day we will never forget. It was  such a heartwarming experience seeing all the love and respect poured out to the  veterans. Tears of joy and deep appreciation filled the atmosphere throughout the day.

Handshakes from complete strangers in Iowa and in Washington, DC thanking Dad for  his service moved me as I saw how it affected my father. I was amazed to see so many  people at the airport who welcomed us home.Dad told me he received a “so whatâ€� response from the community as he got home  from serving in the Navy in 1954. No one cared that he served his country or gave up 4  years of his life to defend our freedoms. The Honor Flight finally gave him the  recognition and respect he deserved 72 years ago when he returned to civilian life from  his time in the Navy.

I cannot express adequately just how much I appreciate the opportunity to participate in  the day with my dad. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for both of us! Dad was  overwhelmed, truly moved, and loved every minute of the day. It was a joy to watch his  reactions throughout the day. On behalf of both of us, I would like to thank you all for  allowing us to be a part of the day. Your time, efforts and dedication to the program is  deeply appreciated. Thank you all for this fabulous opportunity!

Dad told me he didn’t like one thing about the day…He hated to see it end!  â˜º

Blessings to you all.

Respectfully and sincerely,

Lisa Swiech and Anthony J. Guastadisegni