Several Greene County veterans got to experience a trip unlike any other this year.

Greene County Veterans Affairs Director Michael Bierl says in May, Jack Lint, Les Fister and Hubert Vannatter went on the Brushy Creek Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. to see the memorials. Then in September, Jerry Vincent, Lloyd Smith and Bud Pittman made the same trip. Bierl points out the Honor Flight is one way they can say ‘thanks’ to veterans for serving their country in the military with a free trip to the nation’s capital. He talks about veteran Bud Pittman who went on the September trip as a World War II veteran.

“Well it was very special because there’s not many around (from WWII) anymore. So I know him pretty well and I was just so glad that he was able to get there and experience that. And I know he really appreciated that. Matter of fact, the Brushy Creek knowing that there’s so few left (of WWII veterans) decided to fund that trip for him and another (WWII) veteran. They just know how grateful they are to have a WWII veteran along, so they honored him that way.”    

Bierl notes veterans who served from WWII, Korean and Vietnam Wars, along with peace time between those wars, can apply to go on the Honor Flight. He points out there is a waiting list of four Greene County veterans and preference is given to those who fought in earlier wars. To apply, Bierl says the application is in his office and the veteran can include their physical status and if they need additional assistance while on the trip, along with a list of medications. Contact Bierl at the Greene County Courthouse at 515-386-5673, stop by his office on the first floor from 9am-1pm Monday through Friday, or email him at mbierl@greenecounty.iowa.gov.