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Honoring the service of World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam War and other Veterans of Eastern Iowa

The mission of Eastern Iowa Honor Flight is to provide veterans with a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to visit monuments and memorials built in their honor for the sacrifice and service they made for our freedom.

All veterans are encouraged to apply. Priority is given to World War II Veterans, Korean War Veterans, and Veterans with advanced health concerns, followed by Vietnam Veterans and Veterans from other conflicts. Even if you did not serve in combat, you are still eligible to apply. Our mission is to take every veteran who applies. Due to a large waiting list please apply only once, your applications are kept on file.

Who is eligible to apply? Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Reserves, and National Guard veterans serving during war or peace time, serving over seas or stateside.

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight accepts applications from veterans in Benton, Iowa, Jasper, Jones, Johnson, Linn, Marshall, Tama, Polk, Poweshiek and Washington Counties. Veterans from surrounding areas are welcome if they are able to fly from The Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids.

2025 Eastern Iowa Honor Flight Schedule

Tuesday April 29, Flight Number 54

Tuesday May 20, Flight Number 55

Tuesday September 23, Flight Number 56

Tuesday October 14, Flight Number 57

Iowans who have served

When World War II broke out, 226,638 Iowa men and women answered the call to duty. Of those who served 8,398 died in the line of duty. But World War II would not be the last time Iowans would face danger in a foreign country. From June of 1950 to the end of combat on July 27, 1953, 85,341 Iowans served in the Korean Conflict. Of those, 508 were killed. Then came Vietnam. From the first landing of Marines at Danang in March of 1965 until Saigon fell in April of 1975, 115,000 Iowans were either drafted or enlisted in all branches of service. Eight hundred sixty-seven Iowans never came home. Two other calls to duty were the Persian Gulf (August 2, 1990-February 28, 1991) and Panama/Granada invasion (October 25, 1983-December 15, 1983). Between the two, 3,935 Iowans served. Of those 7 died in the Persian Gulf and 2 in Panama/Granada. For more details about Iowans who have served please click here.

Thank you

We would like to thank every Veteran for their service and sacrifice they made to make the United States of America the greatest country in the world. We would also like to thank the guardians for their part in making a memorable day for their veteran(s). Thank you also goes out to the sponsors of each flight for supporting the veterans.

Staying Overnight for the Flight?

If you are staying overnight before or after the flight or orientation, click here to find some nearby hotels.

The Gazette is a proud media sponsor of the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight organization. Look for preview and coverage of flights in your daily newspaper and online at www.thegazette.com