Third group of Honor Flight veterans get a big thank-you

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Veterans heading out on the Honor Flight to Washington were honored at a dinner Thursday (John Jennings/Daily News)

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The third group of Jasper County’s World War II veterans scheduled to take the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. were honored Thursday evening at the American Legion Post 111 in Newton.

Fifteen veterans who will be traveling on the Honor Flight on Nov. 4 sponsored by Hy-Vee Food Stores, and veterans who have participated in previous Honor Flights, were guests of honor at the dinner Thursday evening. Following the dinner, the veterans were announced, and a video featuring current and historic photos of the veterans, compiled by Doug Bishop, was shown.

Bishop told the veterans that the American Legion will continue to raise funds for future Honor Flights until all veterans have had a chance to visit Washington D.C.

The first of those fund-raisers is scheduled for this evening, with a free-will offering dinner of burgers and brats prepared by the Sons of the American Legion, starting at 5:30 p.m. An auction and raffle will be held at 7 p.m. and the Roy Hobbs Band will play at 8 p.m. All profits will go to the Honor Flight program.

Bishop told the veterans that he will be traveling with them on Nov. 4, to make a photographic record of the trip.

“You made this country the free country it is today,” Bishop said. “Next Wednesday is going to be one of the proudest days of my life.”

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Dan Hardenbrook and Bob Kriegel go through the serving line at the American Legion during the Honor Flight dinner Thursday evening. The two men are among those who will be taking the flight next Wednesday.

The World War II veterans honored at the American Legion took a moment for a group photo before the Honor Flight dinner Thursday evening. Pictured front row, from left, Greg Christensen, Baxter American Legion Commander; Harold Halter, U.S. Army; Lawrence Halter, U.S. Army; George Browning, Navy Armed Guard; Doyle Brubaker, U.S. Army; Junior Ekins, U.S. Marine Corps; Ken Elscott, U.S. Navy and Air Force; and Bob Thorson, U.S. Navy. Second row, Doug Bishop, Newton American Legion Adjutant; Jack Edge, U.S. Navy; Francis Moore, U.S. Navy; Dan Hardenbrook, Army Air Corps; Bob Kriegel, U.S. Navy; Ernie Jones, U.S. Navy; Don Wilson, U.S. Navy; Russell Bucklin, U.S. Navy; Walt Druyff, U.S. Navy Armed Guard; and Paul Brown, Commander Newton American Legion Post 111.

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