More than 100 central Iowa veterans from World War Two and the Korean War will leave this morning for the latest Honor Flight to Washington D.C. Ron Newsum, codirector of the Brushy Creek Honor Flight organization, says the 737 is scheduled to leave the Fort Dodge Regional Airport at 6:25 A.M.
“It’s 12 World War Two veterans and the balance will be Korean War veterans,” Newsum says. “We’ll have a total of either 102 or 103 veterans going on this flight. They’ll all be accompanied by a guardian and, of course, we’ll have a medical team and staff members on hand.” Newsum says the chartered jet is due to arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport about 10 A.M.
“We’ll be escorted by a motorcycle escort to the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials, we’ll take a tour of the city, go by the Capitol and the White House, and we’ll disembark at the World War II Memorial about 3:10 in the afternoon.” After that, they’ll visit Arlington National Cemetery to witness the famed changing of the guard ceremony. The last stop will be a visit to the Iwo Jima Memorial.
The group should be back in Fort Dodge about 10:30 P.M. Newsum says he’s grateful for the financial support to make this trip possible.
“Every flight represents $100,000 and we have no corporate sponsors so every dollar we get from church suppers and individuals with private donations is more than welcome,” he says.
This is the group’s second Honor Flight this year, its 9th overall. Donations for future Honor Flights can be sent to your county VA office.
(Reporting by Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City)