We have left Indy on our way home and should be back around 9:55. See you all then!

Heading home

We are on our way to the airport in Baltimore. What a perfect day.

So many good pictures at the WWII Memorial.

Another good picture of Mr. Elke for his wife to see. He is at the WWII Memorial in front of the IL pillar. Its such an amazing memorial.

Here is one of our four wonderful lady veterans. Pauline Phipps is pictured here with Navy Commander David Bretz all the way from Villa Grove, IL.

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Mr. Howton and Mr. Jones riding on the bus.

More WWII Memorial

These men were just positioned this way waiting for our bus to return. What a good picture it made!

Here are Mr. Jenner and Mr. Jacobs who are at the WWII memorial. We spent most of our time enjoying this memorial.

WWII Memorial

Here we are, Congressman Aaron Schock, Breanne(who is blogging and photographing) and who HAD to get in one photo, and the best leader you could ask for, my Don Niehart! What another great trip he planned...

After taking our group photo, we had a nice surprise from Aaron Schock, Congressman from Illinois.

Stopped by Marine War Memorial(Iwo Jima).

Mr. Loomis is enjoying this memorial. What a BEAUTIFUL day!

First stop is Arlington to see the Changing of the Guard

Here we are at Arlington. Mr. Elke and Mr. Lyng are here waving to Mrs. Elke, who we know is following us. The weather is fabulous and looks like we couldn't have asked for a better day! Off to WWII memorial....

Emotional arrival at Baltimore Airport

Yet another amazing reception for our veterans at Baltimore airport. Mr. Schwartzlose is holding one back.

Mr. Feller is captured in the excitement. They are taken by surprise of this wonderful reception they receive.

We even had a Bagpiper

This bagpiper was good. He was playing the Marine Hymn. Mr. Sprague is being thanked for his service. What an awesome thing for our veterans!!

What a Reception in Indy!!

We have arrived at the airport in Indy. As you can see we had an impressive

welcome. Thanks to the USO who were there to salute and greet our men and women.

Off We Go!!!

We are boarding our buses.

Veteran, Mr. Armstrong and Guardian, Mr. Knox are ready to go. A big," HAPPY BIRTHDAY" to Mr. Armstrong, today happens to be his birthday!

Look at this, one of our veteran heroes, Mr. Jenner from Greenville, Illinois came dressed in full uniform. He is pictued with Laura who will be helping lead this trip.

Bright and Early Check In

Good Morning! Its 1:30am and we are all smiles getting checked in and ready for one fabulous day. Look at these two handsome men, Mr. Humpfrey as the guardian and Mr. Ryan his veteran.

1 Week To Go!!!

With only one week until our 1st flight of 2010 we are busy finalizing our plans for next Tuesday. 52 veterans, 52 guardians, 2 photographers, 2 nurses, and 2 board members will be making this trip. According to the weather outlook we may have some rain but the temperature appears to be cooperating. (As those of you who flew with us last year know, we wouldn't know what to do in DC without rain at some point.) Please plan on waking up early next Tuesday and following along with us on our journey to honor our heroes!

***Two lucky winners will receive an Honor Flight Hat or Shirt***
Post a comment to one of our posts on our blog next Tuesday for your chance to win an Honor Flight Shirt or Hat. You must be registered as a follower in order to win.

Notice we have two fundraisers coming up in May. First is our 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby Party. This years event will be held at the Effingham Country Club on Saturday May 1. It was a lot of fun last year. Our 2nd fundraiser is on Memorial Day, starting at 10 and lasting 'til 5, come eat with us and enjoy sitting and talking a spell with our veterans. 3 Chicks and a Stage will also be having another performance at the Rosebud Theatre in Effingham starting at 3:00 p.m on Memorial Day. If you would like tickets or more information, please email centralillinoishonorflight@gmail.com

See you next Tuesday bright and early...

2010 Is Finally Here !!!

We are excited to announce our 1st flight of 2010.  Bright & early Tuesday, April 27th approximately 60 veterans will get the chance to see Their Memorial.  Our 1st trip will be a little different this year as we will utilize Indianapolis International Airport.  With the distance being only a few miles longer from Effingham to Indy vs. St. Louis we decided the cost savings was worth the trip east rather than west (at least for our 1st trip.)

Stay tuned to our blog and website for further details.  We will have all veterans & guardians flying with us on the 27th notified by the end of the weekend.

Stay tuned for more details, and don’t forget to “fly with us” from home on April 27th by following this blog.

Best wishes,

Central Illinois Honor Flight

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Arrived in stl
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At the gate. Dry at last. This is master sgt kat collins (air force) who rode with us all day. Should b on time.
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Changing of the guard. Last stop and as you may have guessed, still raining.
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Quick stop at two jima. Yep, still raining.
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Made it to lincoln/korean/vietnam. Still raining.
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We are the official honorary guests of the us navy at the navy mem ceremony
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At the wwii mem. Weather bad but spirits high.
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Check out our active military send off from bwi.
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Arrived to the biggest reception this year. Many active military and hundreds of people. Awesome.
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Boarding went well. Great group today. See u in dc.
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Funniest tandem on the trip. Ed just can't tell time.
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At the gate in baltimore. Home soon.
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Photo with our fabulous drivers/tour guides, andre and lenny. They make things so much easier. Leaving tomb of the unknown now.
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Leaving korean mem, then iwo jima and then last stop at arlington. All in great spirits. Concession stand sold about fifty ice cream bars.
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Absolutely perfect day at the Lincoln memorial.
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Jamie and iva (our only navy wave) enjoying the perfect weather.
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We made it to the wwii memorial. Technical difficulties with earlier posts. (meaning technically I forgot)
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We are boarded and ready for the flight. We have several comedians on this trip. Should be fun.
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Made it. Final bus boarding. Will be close to scheduled arrival.
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Boarding the plane at bwi. As smooth as silk. Energetic vets and attentive guardians make for an easy day. Should arrive in stl on time.
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Arlington visitors center. Saw part of changing of the guard. Now back to the airport.
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Effingham guys at vietnam memorial. Always a moving experience here.
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We made it to the WWII Memorial. Cool but at least its dry.
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Arrived at lambert. Everyone in good spirits. Sw airlines taking great care of us once again.
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We are tired, but back in the bus bound for decatur. Thanks to all for a nearly flawless day.
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Security at bwi. On schedule.
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Our guys in illini orange at the changing of the guard at arlington. Last stop.
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Mr call away and guardian doug lowery at iwo jima.
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Technical problems delayed my blogging. We have been to ww2 memorial. Now at lincoln/vietnam/korea. All is well, great weather and enthusiastic vets.
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Boarding in stl
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Departing decatur on schedule (almost)
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FWD: just arrived at lambert. should be in effingham at 10 or 1015. cu soon!

Our ride to stl. about to board... on schedule...

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Mr. Edwards & his guardian preparing for departure at DC.