Honoring Veterans: Our Partnership with Midwest Honor Flight

Interstates has long been committed to making a difference in the communities we serve. This dedication was recognized recently when Interstates received the Commitment to Heroes Award from ABC of Iowa. This award highlights our outstanding volunteer efforts, particularly our involvement with the Midwest Honor Flight (MWHF), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing veterans with all-expense-paid trips to Washington, D.C., to visit their memorials.

Getting Involved

Interstates’ journey with MWHF began through the Interstates Foundation and our Cash for Causes program, supporting MWHF’s mission financially. Jessica Regnerus, Executive Administrative Assistant at Interstates, explains, “Our previous CEO heard about MWHF and suggested our Foundation get involved. After some research, two team members joined as community guardians for a flight in 2019. Despite the break from flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we continued our involvement by volunteering for multiple events throughout the years and sponsoring guardians for various flights.”

Interstates’ team members have participated in several MWHF activities, including volunteering at local events, assisting with holiday mailings, and putting together goodie bags for veterans. Additionally, they have played critical roles during flights as guardians, providing essential support to veterans throughout their journey. Lisa Johnson, Project Manager – Operations at Interstates, describes being a guardian on one of the flights: “The experience is many things – it’s humbling, rewarding, patriotic. It’s such an amazing experience. From the early morning anticipation for the trip, visiting the memorials, and camaraderie among the Veterans, there is so much to see and process. Supporting someone on their tour is the least I can do to thank them for their service.”

A Poignant Return

The emotional impact of this organization is profound. The welcome home ceremonies, in particular, leave lasting impressions on veterans and volunteers alike. Regnerus describes it as an overwhelming experience: “The veterans have a small welcome home ceremony in the airport, and they often think that is the extent to which they will be welcomed home. So, driving into the arena to see a crowd of people cheering for you is overwhelming, to say the least.” Johnson adds, “The welcome home ceremony is amazing. The buses drive right into the arena, and the place is full of family and friends cheering and waving signs and American flags. There are tears and smiles and hugs. It’s just so emotional.”

Recognition and Future Plans

The recognition from ABC of Iowa with the Commitment to Heroes Award is a testament to Interstates’ dedication to community service and its unwavering support for veterans. Regnerus remarks, “For ABC of Iowa to recognize our commitment to our heroes is humbling. We are just trying to do our small part to ensure these veterans get the recognition they deserve.”

In addition to the MWHF, Interstates supports our veterans through our Veterans Employee Resource Group, which connects and supports our veteran team members. This group's primary focus is creating connections with and supporting Veterans and Gold-Star Families, assisting with Veteran benefits and transition to civilian life, and fostering Veteran employee well-being and professional growth.

Looking ahead, Interstates plans to continue its strong partnership with MWHF and other veteran-related initiatives. We are committed to sponsoring guardians, volunteering for service projects, and actively recruiting veterans transitioning to civilian life. As for the long-term goals of MWHF, Aaron Van Beek, CEO of MWHF, says, “Our desire is to fly as many veterans from Northwest Iowa, South Dakota, Northeast Nebraska, and Southwest Minnesota to Washington, D.C., as we can find – at no cost to the veteran. We thank all those who have donated, volunteered, and flown with us in support of our mission. We also thank Interstates and the Interstates Foundation for continuing to support our veterans through this once-in-a-lifetime trip.”