News : Eastern Iowa Honor Flight announces 53rd flight to Washington DC

Flight to include nearly 90 veterans from throughout Eastern Iowa

On Tuesday, October 8, the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight will launch Flight #53. Since the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight began operations in 2009, 52 flights have transported nearly 5,000 veterans, along with their guardians to Washington, DC. The trip entails visits to the WWII, Korean, and Vietnam memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery for a special wreath dedication. Veterans who served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War as well as non-combat veterans will board the flight. cxfe

"We invite everyone in the community to join us in welcoming home our heroes," says Lynette Voss, President of the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight. "Your presence at the 'Welcome Home' celebration will mean the world to these veterans. It's a chance for us to show our heartfelt appreciation for their service and sacrifices. Let's give them the homecoming they deserve!"

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. Everyone is invited to attend the "Welcome Home" celebration at the Eastern Iowa Airport beginning at 7:30 p.m., which will involve a military band, flag line, local police and fire departments, and lots of emotions. The flight is scheduled to return to Cedar Rapids around 9 p.m. 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 53 is named in honor of the Aegon Transamerica Foundation for their generous contribution, making it possible for this flight to take place. Additional thanks to media sponsor ESPN 1600 for their coverage of this momentous event.

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

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.

For additional information about the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight, contact:

Lynette Voss

Board President

eihf.president@gmail.com