Rock Island Today

Illinois State House District 72 candidate Charlie Helmick shared his latest Honor Flight involvement, saying, "It's an honor I cherish at every flight, just as many others do who deeply respect our veterans," in a Sept. 18 Facebook post.

"I had the privilege of welcoming home another group of veterans from the Honor Flight," said Helmick, according to Facebook. "It's an honor I cherish at every flight, just as many others do who deeply respect our veterans. The Honor Flight stands as a powerful symbol of our nation and community's appreciation for the sacrifices made by our veterans. I extend my heartfelt thanks to HyVee for their steadfast sponsorship of these flights over the years."

Approximately 80 veterans from the Quad Cities area took part in the area’s 60th Honor Flight on Sept. 17. According to a Sept. 19 report from WQAD 8, it was the 14th Hy-Vee Honor Flight that took local veterans to Washington DC to visit memorials, monuments, and museums, including the National Air and Space Museum and the Air Force Memorial.

Screenshot of Charlie Helmick's Sept. 18 Facebook post | Charlie Helmick Facebook page

Veterans were greeted at Dulles International Airport by four school buses full of children, some of whom ran up to the veterans and thanked them for their service. The 80 local veterans included three female veterans, and the trip did include a stop at the Military Women’s Memorial.

The Honor Flight of the Quad Cities started in 2008. The first flight was on Nov. 1, 2008, and included 95 veterans, 59 guardians, and seven members of the media. The organization focuses on giving veterans a one-day experience they’ll never forget, leaving from the Quad City International Airport and returning that same night. All veterans are encouraged to apply; however, HFQC says that top priority is given to veterans with terminal illness, World War II veterans, and Korean War veterans. These flights are free of charge to the participating veterans. Applicants will be contacted anywhere from one month to two months prior to the honor flight to confirm attendance in the scheduled flight.

Helmick is a lifelong resident of Quad Cities with a background as a veteran and former law enforcement officer. He is an advocate for fiscal responsibility within his party. His campaign platform centers around protecting police and public safety professionals, advocating stiffer jail penalties and eliminating "activist judges and prosecutors that have taken the side of thugs over victims of violent crime," according to his campaign website.