CEDAR RAPIDS – On Tuesday, May 28, the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight will launch Flight #51. Since the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight began operations in 2009, 50 flights have transported 4,506 veterans, along with their guardians to Washington, DC. The trip entails visits to the WWII, Korean, Vietnam memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery for a special wreath dedication. With 88 veterans scheduled to board, the flight consists of (10) Korea, (5) Korea/ Vietnam, (72) Vietnam and (1) Gulf War veterans.
“Sadly, 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,” states Eastern Iowa Honor Flight President Lynette Voss. “Our mission is to make the day one they’ll never forget which includes a “Welcome Home” celebration showing gratitude for their sacrifices.”
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 51 is named in honor of Collins Aerospace, an RTX business in honor of their generous contributions to the organization. Additional thanks Flight 51 to media sponsor KWWL 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: . Donations can be made via check by submitting a donation form or online via PayPal. All donations are greatly appreciated.