The Quad Cities Honor Flight Welcome Home will be at the Quad Cities International Airport at about 10 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, a news release says. This will be a chance for anyone to welcome and cheer the veterans as they return through security.
As a special thanks to the veterans, their families, neighbors, and friends, the parking at the airport will be free that evening.
Earlier that day, 86 veterans and their guardians will board a charter jet for a visit to the military memorials in Washington, DC. This will include visits to Arlington National Cemetery, where they will watch the “Changing of the Guard” ceremony.
This flight will take place in spite of the government shutdown, the release says. Many hours have been spent planning alternate itineraries, and making preparations in case the shutdown continues into Oct. 28.
“Many places we visit are still open,” said Steve Garrington, who will command this flight. “And if something is closed, there are still plenty of other places the veterans will want to see. In the military they taught us to be flexible.”
Although most of the veterans on this flight served during the Vietnam conflict, they will be joined by four Korean War veterans. Included on this flight will be three women. A special honor awaits them at the Women’s Memorial.
The greatest need at this time is for veterans to fill out an application here. Volunteers who would like to be guardians can find more details here.