HONOR FLIGHT: Eastern Iowa Veterans

The final honor flight of the year out of Cedar Rapids took off early Tuesday morning.

Nearly 90 veterans are part of the group.

One guardian and veteran pair share a special bond. Both the grandfather and grandson have served our country — one in Iraq and one in Vietnam.

“Just because I have served so I can kind of understand their experiences. A lot of them have probably been through a lot more than I have, but it’s still great to listen to them and share that moment with them,” said guardian Dustin Graves.

Graves’ grandfather Veryln Hansen said, “I’m excited to have a grandson like that. He sort of followed in my footsteps when he went into the army.”