Dave Raber of Belle Fourche has been selected to fly on Mission 30 on May 18
Dave Raber, a Vietnam War Veteran of Belle Fourche who served in the United States Navy, has been selected along with over 80 Veterans by Midwest Honor Flight to take a long awaited trip to Washington, D.C. on Mission 30 on May 18th. Midwest Honor Flight’s mission is to transport America’s Veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor the service and sacrifices of themselves and to fellow Veterans.
When asked about the importance of Midwest Honor Flight, Aaron Van Beek, CEO, said, “They answered the call to serve our country and those around the globe. It’s now our duty as a grateful nation to get them out to Washington, D.C. to see the memorials dedicated to their service and fellow comrades. It truly is the least we can do as the American people for our brave American heroes to visit their memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice in our nation’s capital – Washington, D.C!”
The trip begins with a celebratory send-off, including a presentation of our nation’s colors. The men and women who comprise the Veteran group will board the chartered commercial jet and head to DC for a one-day trip they will talk about for the rest of their lives. During their time in DC, we will visit Arlington National Cemetery to witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They will also visit the Navy Memorial, Air Force Memorial, and Marine Corps Memorial. To finish the day, they will spend time at each of the war memorials as well – WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Wall and Memorial.
Today, we live in a free country thanks to the Veterans who have served over the years. This freedom came at a very high cost. We can never repay them for what they’ve done. An “Honor Flight Tour” is simply a small token of our appreciation for everything they’ve done. Throughout their Midwest Honor Flight tour, the Veterans are thanked, recognized and admired for their service. They come home personally knowing how much their country loves them and respects them. Veterans will never forget this gratitude and adoration.
Trips are made possible with the support of community members, organizations, and businesses. Veterans do not pay a single cent for their trip which is why donations are vital to continuing these Missions. Those interested in supporting the Midwest Honor Flight or applying for a future Mission can visit their website at www. midwesthonorflight.org or by calling 605-215-1319.
Midwest Honor Flight is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing Veterans with respect, honor, and closure with an all-expense paid trip to our nation’s capital serving the state of South Dakota and areas of NW Iowa, NE Nebraska, and SW Minnesota.
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
