(From left) First Vice President John Einsfeld, veteran and Lion John Grimes, IHF volunteer and board member Ed Sweetland, and IHF volunteer Sherry Sweetland. (Photo provided by Lisa Dick, Noblesville Lions Club)
Posted By: The Reporter September 16, 2025
Submitted by Lisa Dick
Noblesville Lions Club
At their Sept. 10 meeting, the Noblesville Lions welcomed Ed and Sherry Sweetland from Indy Honor Flight.
Veteran and Lion John Grimes participated in Indy Honor Flight’s (IHF) 45th trip to Washington, D.C., earlier this year. The program has a two- to three-year waiting list, but applicants are prioritized based on age and health status.
The purpose of IHF is to celebrate veteran service through a trip to see the memorials built in their honor. The program is 100-percent free for veterans. There are four hubs in Indiana and 128 across the U.S. The first flight out of Indy was Sept. 12, 2012. Since then, more than 3,800 veterans have flown on 46 flights.
Veterans who wish to apply must have a DD-214 and fill out an application. Each veteran needs a guardian to travel with them who donates $500 to the cost of the flight. They always fly on Saturdays and each flight includes 86 veterans, 86 guardians, four paramedics, and 10 staff. They visit Arlington Cemetery for the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They also visit the World War II memorial and the Vietnam Wall. If time permits, they also visit the Air Force Museum and the Iwo Jima memorial, among others.
After the flight, the IHF volunteers plan monthly meals and an annual reunion for all who have flown. Veterans who have participated are encouraged to recruit other veterans. The organization is run solely on donations and has no paid employees. Upcoming flights include Sept. 13 and Oct. 25.
Also at this meeting, Lion Julia Kozicki inducted new members Ken and Christina Jackson. (From left) Ken Jackson, Christina Jackson, and Julia Kozicki. (Photo provided by Lisa Dick, Noblesville Lions Club)
