Say Thanks To Veterans at Eastern Iowa Honor Flight

Eastern Iowa Honor Flight is an organization that began operations back in 2009. Their mission, according to their website, is to send veterans from Linn, Jones, Benton, So. Tama, Iowa, Johnson, Marshall, Jasper, Poweshiek, and Washington counties to Washington, D.C. free of charge, where they can visit historical sites and memorials dedicated to their service.

They have announced their latest Honor Flight. According to the Cedar Rapids Gazette, 89 veterans are scheduled for this flight. 85 of them are from Vietnam, one from the Korean conflict, and another from World War II

Veterans will begin reporting at the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) at 5:45 a.m. next Tuesday, April 19, and will take off for the nation's capital at 7:45. While there, they will visit the World War II, Korean, and Vietnam memorials, along with the Arlington National Cemetery for a special wreath dedication.

Barring any delays, they will arrive back at CID that evening at 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday and that's when the public is invited to join in welcoming them back. Come early, because parking is free and it will be packed.

For anyone not familiar with the Honor Flight program, it's an incredible chance to offer thanks and "welcome home" to veterans who may have never properly received them, or gotten them at all when returning from their service.

There are future Honor Flights set as well for May 17, September 20, and October 18. To keep these flights free for veterans, the organization relies heavily on donations. You can mail donations to:

Eastern Iowa Honor Flight
P.O. Box 10704
Cedar Rapids, IA 52410

You can also donate via PayPal. To learn how to contribute and learn about their program, visit their website.

As always, we are thankful and grateful for the service and sacrifices of these brave men and women and their families and loved ones.