Right to Left, Jim Heiydt, Tim Steiner. Iwo Jima Memorial
CHENEY – Tim Steiner traveled with the Inland Northwest Honor Flight as a guardian with a Cheney veteran and several others. Oct. 17.
With the honor flight were 2 World War II veterans, 7 Korean War veterans, and over 90 Vietnam veterans. Over 60 guardians were present on this year's honor flight.
This honor flight is a chartered trip hosted by INHF for veterans. The purpose of this trip is to give veterans of the inland northwest the opportunity to visit the major combat memorials in Washington D.C.
"From lift off time in Spokane to touchdown when we get back it takes about 36 hours." Said Steiner, a first time participant in the trip. "It's really a whirlwind trip for sure."
When asked what inspired him to participate, Steiner said "I wanted to do it, primarily, for my friend Galen Arisman, To encourage him to do it and have that experience."
"The most rewarding thing for me was getting to hear the stories from these veterans and getting to provide the guardian service for them."
Jim Heiydt, a veteran who lives in Cheney, was also in attendance. "I thought it was a good honor flight. I thought they did an excellent job." Heiydt has been in Cheney his whole life and served in marine core from 1966 to 1970.
The expenses for the trip are covered by donations to the INHF, there is no federal funding at all. "The veterans don't pay for a thing." Steiner said.
Lucas is a former Cheney Free Press managing editor. He is a nationally published author who contributes regularly to several publications across the country.
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