Veterans wanted for Honor Flight

American veterans who would like to take part in the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities’ trips to Washington, D.C. are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

In 2008, the Quad Cities formed a local chapter of the Honor Flight Network called Honor Flight of the Quad Cities. The purpose of HFQC is to fly America’s veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to honoring their sacrifices.

Top priority is given to World War II and Korean Era veterans, or any veterans with a terminal illness. The intention is to honor local and regional heroes who were selfless in their military duty with a free trip to visit their memorials. Veterans within a 75-mile radius are encouraged to apply.

The program operates on donations from organizations and individuals. Volunteers of all kinds plan and coordinate the flight event, and special guardians will be trained to help escort the veterans the day of the flight.

All Honor Flights depart on a non-stop charter from the Quad City International Airport to Washington, D.C., and return the same evening at about 10 p.m. HFQC plans on conducting a series of flights in 2012, but their dates have not yet been set.

World War II and Korean Veterans interested in applying for the trip, as well as interested donors and volunteers, are encouraged to download an application by clicking on the “Applications” button at http://www.honorflightqc.com/. Applicants are called about three to four weeks prior to the flight to let them know that they have been selected to attend the next scheduled flight. All applications are dated in the order they are received.