Primghar — Some O’Brien County World War II veterans have not yet seen their World War II Memorial in Washington DC, and a group of northwest Iowans is hoping to change that.
Deanna Akeson, Administrator of O’Brien County Veterans Affairs says The Veteran’s Honor Flight Network no longer has hubs covering northwest Iowa but O’Brien County veterans who wish to participate can still make the trip to
Washington, DC.
Akeson says that the national Honor Flight Network bylaws prohibit payment from the veterans themselves to cover the costs. The administrative committee of the Brushy Creek Area Honor Flights hub requests that trip funding come from each veteran’s county of residence.
Akeson says O’Brien County Veterans Affairs is a 501c(3) corporation and they are currently seeking local donations to sponsor the trip for O’Brien County veterans on their waiting list. Nine veterans have been accepted and are waiting at this point, she says. Guardians who accompany the veterans pay their own way.
Akeson says the need is ongoing, and projects that additional funds will be needed as more Korean war veterans seek to make the trip. Brushy Creek Honor Flights expects to add Vietnam veterans later. She says that without local funding, the possibility of this “once in a lifetime” experience is uncertain for O’Brien County veterans.
WWII veterans and those with terminal illness receive first priority for seats on each flight. Korean war veterans are prioritized on a first come, first serve basis. Akeson says they also have applications at her office for veterans interested in making the trip. There’s one scheduled in May, and they hope to do another one in September.
All donations of any size would be most appreciated, whether it be individual donors or corporate sponsorship. If your organization would like to take on a fundraising effort or you would like further information, contact O’Brien County Veteran Affairs.
Donations should be made payable to:
Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight
and sent to:
O’Brien County Veteran Affairs
PO Box 97
Primghar, IA 51245
Office phone (712) 957-0031
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