CEDAR RAPIDS — On Tuesday, April 29, the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight will launch Flight #54, sponsored by Quaker Oats. Since beginning operations in 2009, the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight has transported thousands of veterans and their guardians to Washington, D.C. This trip will include visits to the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery for a special wreath dedication.
Please see the list below for veterans from your area scheduled to board the flight.
“We invite the entire community to help us welcome our heroes home,†said Eastern Iowa Honor Flight President Lynette Voss. “Attending the ‘Welcome Home’ celebration is a meaningful way to honor these veterans. Your support will show our deep gratitude for their service and sacrifices. Help us give them the welcome they deserve!â€
Veterans will begin reporting to the Eastern Iowa Airport at 5:30 a.m. on flight day, with an estimated departure time of 6:45 a.m. The public is invited to attend the Welcome Home celebration at the Eastern Iowa Airport, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The event will feature a military band, a flag line, local police and fire department participation, and an emotional homecoming. 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 with a parking pass, which can be picked up at the information booth inside the terminal.
Flight #54 is named in honor of Quaker Oats for its generous contribution, which made this flight possible. The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight is an all-volunteer organization that does not receive government funding. To support this mission through a donation, please visit . Donations can be made via check by submitting a donation form or online through PayPal. All contributions are greatly appreciated.
About the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight
The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight is a federally recognized 501©(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.
For additional information about the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight, contact:
Lynette Voss
Board President
Local Veterans Scheduled to Board Flight 54
Gerald Bishop — Brandon
James Bixby — Center Point
Jon Kopecky — Brandon
Lee Lewis — Palo
