K-98.5’s Lainie Brooks – My First Honor Flight Experience

This week I got to experience one of the coolest events I've ever seen, a welcoming home ceremony for a group of veterans that went on an Honor Flight to Washington, DC.

For those of you that don't know, Honor Flight is an organization that sends Veterans (all expenses paid) on a one-day trip to Washington D.C.

While they are there, the veterans visit several war memorials and ends that afternoon with the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery.

90 people were on board the Honor Flight that left from the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids bright and early Tuesday morning (09-22-16), and it didn't come home untill late that night. Despite the long day, everyone that came off the airplane had a smile on their face. Some of them were even moved to tears.

Each veteran received a package on their flight back home that included letters from loved ones. A band played patriotic music as each veteran walked into the airport. Members from the Cedar Rapids police department, various Veterans programs, family and friends lined their walkway.

American flags waved, welcome home signs were proudly displayed and the lobby was filled with the sound of endless clapping and cheering.

My dad, a Vietnam War vet, was one of the 90 that took part in this incredible event. He neglected to mention that there was a ceremony after the flight to his family (he doesn't like to be fussed on). Lucky for us, we found out through the veterans program and showed up to surprise him. In the video, you'll notice a handsome gentleman walking by and a lady running to get him and point out that his family was there to welcome him home. That would be my my dad. The look on his face was priceless.

The most sobering moment of the night is when my dad looked at me and said,

"You don't know how much this means to us. Back when we came home from Vietnam, there were crowds of people that were yelling at us, calling us names, and spitting on us."

If you ever get a chance to experience an honor flight, do it! I grantee you will not only feel humbled, but proud to be an American.

In my opinion, there is nothing more honorable than a person that is willing to lay down their life for their country. There is nothing more brave than some who is willing to stand in the line of fire to protect good from evil. It's a blessing that these veterans were able to come back home to us. Many didn't.

I would like to personally thank every single person from the honor flight organization. Without your hard work and dedication, this would never be possible. I would also like to thank all of the volunteers that helped make their welcome home so special. It meant so much to my dad and every veteran that joined him. God Bless you and God Bless America.