March 29, 2024

Preparations under way for final Freedom Flight

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In October of last year, Jasper County Freedom Flight organizers provided an opportunity for more than 160 local veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam to take a day-long trip to the nation’s capital to view memorials erected in honor of their military service.

It was not the first time Jasper County has honored its wartime veterans, nor would it be the last. That distinction will be held for the upcoming 2013 flight to Washington, D.C. Fundraising efforts already are under way, and now organizers are beginning to accept applications for the final flight.

Any wartime veteran who entered military service from Jasper County, or who currently resides in Jasper County, is eligible to participate. The flight is tentatively scheduled for May of 2013.

“All Jasper County veterans of World War II, Korea and the Vietnam periods are eligible to apply,” Jasper County Freedom Flight Committee chairman Doug Bishop said. “All World War II and Korea veterans will be seated first. The plane will then be filled with Vietnam veterans according to their status.”

Vietnam veterans who served in-country will have first priority, followed by those who served overseas and then those who served stateside. Applications are available at the Post 111 American Legion in Newton daily after 4 p.m.

Applications also may be requested by emailing jasperhonorflight@yahoo.com, or by calling Doug Bishop at (641) 417-8885. Applications will not be accepted after Oct. 1.

Bob Eschliman can be contacted at (641) 792-3121 ext. 423 or via email at beschliman@newtondailynews.com.