Iowa veterans take emotional Honor Flight trip to Washington, DC, to honor their service
By Ben Kaplan
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DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — For the first time since 2019, the Central Iowa Honor Flight whisked our veterans away to Washington, D.C., for a long-awaited trip to visit memorials and receive recognition for their service.
Marine veteran George Rowe, who served “one year, 2 months and 24 days in Vietnam,” shared his excitement for the journey earlier this month.
“I keep watching it be flown from other areas. And there is no way I can get to go there, being that I’m wheelchair bound pretty much. And when it comes to Des Moines, that’s home,” Rowe said.
The veterans departed Des Moines to a patriotic send-off filled with red, white and blue. Upon landing at Reagan National Airport, the veterans were greeted with a hero’s welcome, including a water cannon salute and cheers from supporters.
Among those waiting was Meredith Eaton, an Ankeny native now living in Virginia. “I came today because I have a couple of friends on this flight,” Eaton said.
The trip included surprises, such as a visit from Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who embraced her two uncles and a cousin on the trip, including veteran Dennis Strawn, who was celebrating his 77th birthday and had no idea his niece, the governor, was planning to greet them. Strawn responded with an emphatic “No” when asked if he could’ve imagined a better birthday.
The veterans visited several iconic sites, including the Pentagon’s 9/11 Memorial, where the mood turned reflective. Army veteran Ladell Gossen shared his thoughts on the experience. “I can remember I was shocked by the magnitude of it,” Gossen said. “I have a disease that robs me of my memory, and this refreshes it for me to a certain extent.”
At the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Navy veteran Charles Gambell paid respects to a high school classmate, Robert Davis. “What does it mean?” Gambell said. “Memories.”
The group also visited the Korean War Veterans Memorial, where Army veteran James Keller reflected on the sacrifices of those who served. “It breaks my heart that they had to give that for their country,” Keller said.
At Arlington National Cemetery, the veterans witnessed the deeply moving changing of the guard ceremony. “Changing of the Guard was the highlight so far for me. Very moving. I really appreciated seeing that,” said Army veteran Craig Tessau.
The World War II Memorial also left its mark. “Especially when you see the stars and what they represent. Wow,” said Army veteran Tom Whalley.
For some veterans, the memorials brought memories of loved ones who served in World War II. Air Force veteran Mike Potratz reflected on his father’s service. “It’s overwhelming. My dad served in WWII when he was on the Burma Road, and I wish he could be here to see this,” Potratz said. “Oh yeah, yeah. I know Dad is with me.”
The return flight included a special treat: mail call, where veterans received letters of gratitude.
Back in Des Moines, the veterans were met with a surprise welcome home celebration. “I didn’t know this was going to happen. This exceeds my expectations by a long shot,” said Army veteran Tom Baird. “It’s just great.”
For many, the day was filled with healing and gratitude. “This is probably the most emotional thing I’ve ever had since I came back from Vietnam,” Keller said. Army veteran Michael Waddingham added, “This has just been awesome. A lot of healing. A lot of healing. Yep, a lot of healing.”
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