WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dakota News Now) - The Midwest Honor Flight completed its 27th mission on Tuesday, bringing 83 veterans to the nation’s capital for “One final tour with honor.”

Vince Kooiker is originally from Hull, Iowa, but now resides in Orange City. He enlisted in the Navy after his older brother, who served in the Army during Vietnam, advised him to avoid the Army and the risk of being on the frontlines.

However, he didn’t need to be on the frontlines to find himself in danger.

Kooiker comes from a family devoted to service, following in his dad’s footsteps by joining the Navy. Stationed in Honolulu and San Diego during Vietnam, Kooiker mainly helped with maintenance and laundry.

“I really enjoyed my time in the service. I really loved serving the country,” Kooiker said.

Kooike

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