Over the past weeks, we have shared the stories of veterans who were selected to go on Honor Flights, bringing veterans to Washington D.C. to visit their war memorials. We are pleased that each of these veterans are residents at one of Provision Living’s family of assisted living communities. This week, we say thank you to another brave serviceman, Alex Negrete, resident at Prairie Hills at Des Moines, for his service in the the Korean War.
Negrete learned about the Honor Flight event through a conversation with Karen Beck, executive director at Prairie Hills at Des Moines, who encouraged him to apply. With help from his family and Beck, Negrete applied for and was accepted to the flight, which left September 30th from Des Moines, Iowa.
Negrete was one of nearly 400 veterans, who were on the Honor Flight that day.
The Honor Flight Network was formed to transport veterans, free of charge, to our nation’s capital to view their National War Memorials. Veterans are placed on a waiting list according to specific priorities, with preference given to WWII veterans and terminally ill veterans of all conflicts. All veterans are welcome to apply.
Central Iowa Honor Flight had not planned to send another flight in 2014. When several local business owners generously donate $500,000 collectively, it opened up spots for 395 veterans. Once in Washington, D.C., they visited the WWII and Korean War memorials.
“All of it was beautiful. I would love to see it all again,” said Negrete about the war memorials.
Negrete was a Marine stationed in Korea for three years during the Korean War.
The night before they took flight to Washington, D.C., 17 buses transported the veterans to Prairie Meadows Casino, where they were celebrated with a send-off dinner. People lined Fleur Drive in Des Moines, waving flags in support.
“They had a whole escort group that took them to the dinner that evening,” said Sue Stocker, community relations manager at Prairie Hills at Des Moines.
The next morning, the nearly 400 veterans met at 4:00 A.M. at the Holiday Inn for a send-off breakfast. Stocker was up bright and early to offer moral support and to snap a few historic photos to preserve the memory of Negrete’s special day.
“Alex’s family was supportive with transportation to the breakfast. So, it was like looking for a needle in a haystack. They 
all had on the Korean Veteran’s blue shirts, jackets and hats. They all looked the same. There were more than 380 veterans; a few were WWII veterans. It was a challenge to find him in the midst of all of that blue,” she said with a chuckle.
Prairie Hills of Des Moines and its operating partner, Provision Living, are very supportive of their Veterans and honor them in many ways throughout the year.
Prairie Hills of Des Moines recognizes veterans on Memorial Day, and Veterans Day and asks them to raise the American flag on Flag Day. When it is time, they ask a veteran to retire the flags. Veterans are encouraged to participate in the State Fair Veterans parade. There is also a Wall of Honor at Prairie Hills, with photos of all of their veterans in uniform.
Before his Honor Flight, Prairie Hills supported Negrete, by making sure he was looking good and ready to go the day of his flight. The staff scheduled the community hair stylist to cut Negrete’s hair. The day before his send-off, she made a special trip to the community just for him. The Prairie Hills staff made sure his clothes were ready early in the morning.
“We honor our veterans any opportunity we can, as they gave up so much for our freedom. Our staff was very supportive to Alex, and we felt honored to help him be ready for such an important day. He was really excited to go,” said Stocker.
The Honor Flight was completed in less than 24 hours. They returned back to Des Moines at 11:00 P.M. on the same day.
“They had a long night the night before, a late night, an early morning and another late night. It was a long trip for them. But, Alex really enjoyed it,” said Stocker. “
Negrete agreed, the trip was great. Although there is one issue most of the residents who’ve gone on Honor Flights mention.
“I would like to go back next year and spend more time,” said Negrete.
After a few days of rest, Prairie Hills held a reception and social hour in honor of Negrete and other veterans at the community. The residents enjoyed cake, ice cream and punch. Alex enjoyed telling his friends all about his recent adventures.
The first Honor Flight took off in August of 2005, in Springfield, Ohio, with six small planes carrying 12 WWII veterans. As the waiting list grew, they transitioned from small private planes to commercial aircraft to accommodate as many veterans as possible. The Honor Flight Network continues to grow and expand their network across our nation.
With the Honor Flight Network website estimating that 640 WWII veterans pass away each day, there is a strong motivation to serve as many veterans as possible while the opportunity to do so still exists.