Meet Our Team
These volunteers give 100% and are dedicated to our Veterans to ensure they see their memorials free of charge, safely.
Some stay back to watch the home front while some dedicate their time and efforts to the Veterans in Washington, D.C.
Some stay back to watch the home front while some dedicate their time and efforts to the Veterans in Washington, D.C.
AARON VAN BEEK, President & Director |
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Aaron Van Beek, President & Director of Midwest Honor Flight, teaches third grade at Kinsey Elementary in Sioux Center, Iowa. Aaron is a member of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 199 of Sioux Center and an Assistant Scoutmaster for the Sioux Center Boy Scouts. He also serves as President & Director for Sioux Center Wreaths Across America and Director for Leadership & Citizenship Focus. Aaron also holds the position of Director of Social Media and Senate Counselor for the Iowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State program. Although not having served in the military himself, his passion for Veterans comes from three of his great-grandfathers (WWII) and one grandfather (Vietnam) who served honorably in the US Army.
Aaron saw a need in Northwest Iowa, South Dakota, and Southwest Minnesota - Veterans were not having the time or the funds to see their memorials in Washington, D.C. In 2017, he started the Midwest Honor Flight program through the Honor Flight Network. This was the first Honor Flight to allow South Dakota Korean and Vietnam Veterans as well as Northwest Iowa and Southwest Minnesota WWII, Korean, and Vietnam Veterans to fly to DC under the care and supervision of Honor Flight Guardians. "They answered the call to serve our country and those around the globe. It's now our duty to get them out to Washington, D.C. to see the memorials dedicated to their service and fellow comrades. We are excited to start this journey of taking our American heroes to visit their memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice in our nation’s capital - Washington, D.C!” |
CORY VAN SLOTEN, Vice President |
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Cory Van Sloten, Vice President of Midwest Honor Flight, is a third generation Veteran and currently serves as Chaplain for the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, under the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Iowa Army National Guard. He has been in the Iowa Army National Guard for twenty-five years and previously served as an Infantryman, a Motor Transport Operator, and a Chaplain Candidate. He deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2004-2005 as a Motor Transport Operator in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism where he was awarded the Combat Action Badge and the Army Commendation Medal.
A native of Ireton, Iowa, Cory resides in Maurice, Iowa with his wife Arla and two of their four children. He is a graduate of Ireton Christian School, Unity Christian High School, Dordt College, and Western Theological Seminary. His primary vocational calling is serving as Pastor of Lebanon Christian Reformed Church of rural Sioux Center, Iowa. When asked why he wanted to be involved with Midwest Honor Flight, Cory said, “Honor Flights are one of the best ways that I know of to honor our Veterans for their service to and their sacrifice for our nation." |
JENNA HAAGSMA
Marketing Coordinator
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ELAINE LEUSINK
Welcome Home Coordinator
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CHRIS VAN BEEK
Medical Coordinator
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MATTHEW VOLKER
Social Media Coordinator
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ABBY BARTOSH
Board Member
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MATT HOLSEN
Board Member
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KATIE LEUSINK
Board Member
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MICHELLE POMRENKEBoard Member
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CHERYL TRACY
Board Member
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DAN TRACY
Board Member
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MIKE SKAGGSBoard Member
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We need Honor Flight Ambassadors for communities in Iowa, South Dakota, & Minnesota - JOIN OUR TEAM!
What's an Ambassador's Role?
- Promote the Midwest Honor Flight program to veterans in your selected area
- Promote Midwest Honor Flight fundraising events
- Contact local businesses for financial support for our veterans
- Assist at events as much as you are able
- Be present, if able, at the registration and especially the Welcome Home Ceremony on flight day
Interested? Fill out the VOLUNTEER Application and be sure to mention that you'd like to join our team!
*South Dakota Honor Flight was in existence from 2009 - 2011 and took many WWII veterans out to Washington DC. Korean veterans now have this same opportunity through Midwest Honor Flight.
