Eastern Iowa Honor Flight announces 49th trip to Washington, D.C.

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight will launch its 49th trip for veterans to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Oct. 17.

The nonprofit has been providing veterans a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to visit monuments and memorials in the nation’s capital with annual trips since 2009. Over the past 14 years, 48 flights have transported 4,330 veterans and their guardians to the World War II, Korean and Vietnam memorials in addition to Arlington National Cemetery.

This year’s flight includes 87 veterans from the Korean, Vietnam, Lebanon and Grenada, Panama, Gulf War and War on Terrorism conflicts.

“Many flight veterans never received a ‘thank you’ when they returned from their service. As a community, this is our chance to make up for that,” said Dick Bell, Eastern Iowa Honor Flight president. “Our mission is to make the day one they’ll never forget.”

Flight 49 is dedicated to the Veterans Affairs hospitals and the services they provide to veterans.

“Our health care teams are deeply experienced and guided by the needs of veterans,” said VA registered nurse Tammy Walton. “We are honored to have this dedicated to the VA Health Care System as we take great pride in providing our veterans with outstanding health care.”

The public is invited to help welcome veterans home from their 15-hour day trip with a celebration Oct. 17 at 8:45 p.m. at The Eastern Iowa Airport. Each homecoming celebration incorporates a military band, flag line, local police and fire departments. Parking for visitors welcoming veterans home is free in the long-term and short-term lots with a parking pass available at the information booth in the terminal.

Those wishing to support the 501(c)3 nonprofit, which is staffed entirely by volunteers, can submit their donations online through eihonorflight.org, via PayPal or by mailing a check to Eastern Iowa Honor Flight, P.O. Box 10704, Cedar Rapids, IA 52410.

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