News : Eastern Iowa Honor Flight Honored with Governor’s Volunteer Award

Prestigious award recognizes significant contributions through volunteer service across Iowa

Cedar Rapids, Iowa - On June 4, 2025, Eastern Iowa Honor Flight board members were honored with prestigious Governor's Volunteer Award in Des Moines, Iowa. The honor recognized the organization's outstanding commitment to honoring Iowa's military veterans through volunteerism.

Presented by Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer through the Office of the Governor of Iowa, this award acknowledges exceptional volunteers and organizations whose service has significantly benefited Iowa communities. Since 1983, the Governor's Volunteer Award program has provided an avenue to formally recognize individuals and groups who selflessly contribute their time and talent to meaningful causes across the state.

"We are deeply honored to receive this award," said Eastern Iowa Honor Flight Board President Lynette Voss. "This recognition reflects the tireless dedication of our volunteers, supporters, and community partners who make every flight possible. It's a powerful reminder of the impact we can make when we come together to serve those who served us."

As an all-volunteer nonprofit, the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight has transported thousands of veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and other military conflicts to Washington, D.C., since 2009. These flights offer veterans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit memorials built in their honor and experience a hero's welcome upon their return.

Nominations for the Governor's Volunteer Award are submitted by organizations that have directly benefited from the volunteer service, verifying that the individuals or groups recommended are truly deserving of this honor. While recipients are not required to be Iowa residents, their service must positively impact Iowa communities.

Photo caption: Eastern Iowa Honor Flight board members were honored with prestigious Governor's Volunteer Award by Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer in Des Moines.

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.