Farm Bureau insurance agents from across Iowa raised more than $36,000 for Honor Flights of Iowa during their 8th annual Iowa Agents Give Back Charity Auction in 2023. 

The annual charity auction brings Iowa Farm Bureau agents together to raise funds to support 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and has been well received by agents, home office staff and Farm Bureau leaders. The 2023 charity event consisted of a live and silent auction with several vacation packages, unique bourbon collections and various other items. 

Each December, members of the Iowa Farm Bureau agency force submit nominations for charities of their choice to receive financial support. 

Honor Flights of Iowa, this year’s recipient, is admired by many agents who had family members who served in the military as well as agents who are veterans themselves. 

“Farm Bureau raising over $36,000 to pay for Iowa Veterans to visit D.C. was outstanding,” said Farm Bureau agent Jeff Dentlinger of Carroll. 

“We have raised a lot of money for a lot of good causes over the years, but seeing the patriotism and support of our agents and their families giving so much back to veterans was a very moving experience.”

A check for $24,450 was presented to the Brushy Creek Honor Flight Organization and board member Ron Newsum, who is a retired Farm Bureau agent and has dedicated his time organizing honor flights for veterans. 

A second check for $12,225 was issued to Eastern Iowa Honor Flight representatives Mary Seely, fundraising coordinator, and Kris Hoeger, orientation coordinator. Both organizations look forward to putting these funds to use for deserving Iowa veterans. 

“Many thanks to all the Farm Bureau insurance agents who participated in this wonderful donation,” Newsum said. 

“Every dollar given to the Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight helps send an Iowa Veteran to see their memorials in Washington, D.C.” 

Brushy Creek Area Honor Flights have taken World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans from some 54 Iowa counties and from some 238 Iowa communities to our nation’s capital, Newsum said. The group’s next flight will be May 22, marking its 25th honor flight.

Veteran Jerry S. Powers said his Honor Flight experience “escapes words to describe the wonderful experience. It was an experience of a lifetime that me and my family will always treasure.”  

If you know of someone who would like to participate in an honor flight, you can find more information from either of these organizations that create a once in a lifetime experience for veterans. 


Pictured above:  Mary Seely and Kris Hoeger accept a check from Farm Bureau insurance agents on behalf of Eastern Iowa Honor Flights. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED