Veterans sought for upcoming Honor Flights
The Brushy Creek Honor Flight Committee is looking for veterans who have served in the armed forces between December 7, 1941, and April 30, 1975. Any veteran who was discharged under honorable conditions and who has served within these dates is eligible to participate in the next Honor Flight on May 10, 2023, or later in the fall.
Brushy Creek Honor Flight just completed its 22nd flight on Aug. 27. The next honor flight will depart from the Fort Dodge airport and arrive in Washington D.C. for the day. While in D.C. the veterans will visit memorials that honor each service branch — the Marine Memorial (Iow Jima), Navy Memorial, Air Force Memorial and Arlington Cemetery. They will also visit the WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Memorial and the Nurses' Memorial. Veterans will take a bus tour of the Washington Mall, the Capitol, Jefferson, Memorial, Ford Theater, White House and the Pentagon. The 10 hour visit to Washington D.C. will include travel time to and from Dulles Airport. Medical assistance will be available for anyone needing help. There will be a medical team on the Honor Flight that includes a medical doctor and three to four nurses or paramedics. Meals, snacks and water will be provided throughout the day.
We know that some veterans feel they do not deserve to participate in the Honor Flight. They may not have been in combat or did not leave the states. The Honor Flight Committee feels all veterans dedicated years of their lives to serve, and they are entitled to go. The committee knows that, for most veterans, it was not easy to leave home. The years ahead were uncertain and, for many, it was difficult. The Brushy Creek Honor Flight Committee wants to honor and thank you veterans. The cost of the trip is free — you have earned it. Many veterans have told us it was one of the best days they ever experienced. Many have expressed they now have closure from their military years.
The Brushy Creek Honor Flight Board has recently voted to accept applications from certain reservists and national guard members. To be eligible as a veteran, the reservist or guardsman must have initially enlisted prior to April 30, 1975, and have retired from the reserves or guard with 20 or more years of service.
Applications for the Honor Flight can be found at your county VA office, at the Walker Law Office (call 515-576-0617 and ask for Marylou) and online at www.webstercountyia.gov under Brushy Creek Honor Flight applications. Interested veterans may also contact these Honor Flight board members:
Ron Newsum - 515-571-4477
Mel Schroeder - 515-408-6940
Orene Cressler - 712-335-3270
Lee Bailey - 712-358-4420
Peg Dettmann - 712-660-1006
Craig Malloy - 515-368-1097
Russ Naden - 515-297-1048
Julie Reed - 515-851-0121
Marlene Welander - 712-450-4030
Signed,
Brush Creek Area Honor Flight Board of Directors
