Eastern Iowa Honor Flight rescheduled after cancellation

Veterans to fly out Nov. 2

Oct. 25, 2022 5:09 pm, Updated: Oct. 30, 2022 12:53 pm

Veterans on the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight walk past the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., on April 19, 2022. (Elijah Decious/The Gazette)

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight has been rescheduled for 90 veterans after an abrupt cancellation on Oct. 18.

The 45th flight will depart from the Eastern Iowa Airport on Wednesday, Nov. 2. The flight to Washington, D.C., was canceled the day of its departure after mechanical disruptions caused delays too long to accomplish the schedule.

The Board decided to cancel in order to ensure the same, quality experience as veterans on the 44 flights before them. It’s the second time a flight has been canceled for the Eastern Iowa organization.

The 45th flight includes nine veterans from the Korean War, 79 who served during the Vietnam War and one Iraq War veteran. Those who cannot make the rescheduled date will receive priority for the next Honor Flight in the spring.

“Preparation for a flight begins nearly a year in advance,” said Lynette Voss, veteran coordinator for the flights. “We will be working tirelessly to contact all veterans and guardians, as well as ensure all logistics are in place in Washington, D.C. We are committed to making this experience happen for the veterans, as they deserve nothing less.”

Honor Flights typically leave early in the morning and return late in the evening for an itinerary packed full of sightseeing, ceremonies and honors for veterans around Washington monuments. A delay of at least three hours would have forced the elimination of several monument visits and the shortening of others.

The public is invited to attend the “Welcome Home” celebration for veterans at The Eastern Iowa Airport as they arrive at 8:45 p.m. on Nov. 2. The homecoming involves an emotional lineup complete with a military band, flag line, and local police and fire departments. Parking for attendees is free in both long-term and short-term parking lots with parking passes available that evening at the information booth in the terminal.

Veterans for the Eastern Iowa organization are accepted from Benton, Iowa, Jasper, Jones, Johnson, Linn, Marshall, South Tama, Poweshiek and Washington counties. Though the organization strives to accommodate every veteran who applies, first priorities are given to World War II veterans, Korean War veterans and those with catastrophic illnesses. Veterans in all branches of the military are encouraged to apply, even if they did not serve in combat.

The 45th flight is sponsored by Wild Hogs Saloon & Eatery. To learn more about how to support the entirely volunteer-run organization, visit eihonorflight.org.