Honor Flight–A Day for My Dad

My dad is one of about 80 veterans and their guardians who left the Eastern Iowa airport this morning bound for Washington, D.C. He's excited. I'm proud.

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight has flown more than 2,000 veterans to Washington, D.C. in the last seven years. Today my dad is one of them.

Dad served in Vietnam as a member of the Military Police. Thankfully, he didn't see combat, but he could hear it. I'm thankful that's as close as he ever got to the action.

He had put in his paperwork to be part of an honor flight more than a year ago. I wasn't even aware that he'd done it. A week ago Sunday, I got a call from him with the exciting news. Someone else had canceled and he was going to get to go. Unfortunately, he wouldn't be able to take anyone with him, as there was literally one seat open. Thankfully, he said 'Yes, I'll take it.' I would've loved to have me or my sister go with him, but it's far more important that he go. You just never know what the future might hold. It should be noted that my mom wouldn't have gone, regardless. She's not the slightest bit interested in flying. Ever.

Today is dad's first time on a commercial aircraft since he returned from his tour of duty in the 1960's. He's pictured below, just before boarding this morning. The woman pictured with him is Bev, who will be dad's guardian for the day. She's a helicopter flight medic who will eventually be "working" on Honor Flights, but today she's a volunteer. As she and my dad walked toward security to get aboard the flight, she insisted on taking an item he was carrying. Her words to him? "It's your day." Obviously, he's in great hands.

Because of wonderful donations and sponsors, no one aboard the flight today will be paying for anything. Their food, the flight, and everything else is taken care of. To all who donate to these, I can't thank you enough. The veterans and their guardians will be visiting the war memorials in our nation's capital and sharing stories.

We'll be holding up this sign at the welcome home ceremony tonight. It was done by elementary students from my hometown, Sigourney.

If you'd like to welcome the Honor Flight back to Cedar Rapids tonight, they're expected to return to the Eastern Iowa Airport around 10. However, it's recommended you arrive early. A voucher can be picked up in the terminal for free parking. I know my dad and about 80 other veterans would appreciate it.