Operation Honor Guard is entirely volunteer-run, with volunteers often responsible for acquiring the equipment and clothes required to pay tribute to fallen troops.
Operation Honor Guard is entirely volunteer-run, with volunteers often responsible for acquiring the equipment and clothes required to pay tribute to fallen troops.
Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) has partnered with the Southern Illinois Chambers of Commerce and the Southern Illinois Honor Flight to designate Operation Honor Guard as this year's Southern Illinois Made Expo charity, according to a report by the Metropolis Planet.
The goal of Operation Honor Guard is to generate funds for veteran service organizations that conduct military funerals for deceased veterans, according to the organization's website.
"Yesterday was an amazing day; Senator Dale Fowler announced proceeds from donations raised during the Southern Illinois Made Expo in October will be given to Operation Honor Guard. These donations will support the many honor guards in Southern Illinois," Operation Honor Guard stated on its Facebook page, " This announcement was made at our great media partner WSIL News 3. Thank you Senator Fowler for your continued support of our veterans,"
In previous years, Southern Illinois Honor Flight has previously been designated as the charity of the Southern Illinois Made Expo, which is set to return Oct. 9-10.
“In past years, the Southern Illinois Made Expo has been such a blessing to our chosen charity, the Southern Illinois Honor Flight. The support and generosity shown by the community has never ceased to amaze,” said Fowler, according to the Metropolis Planet. “Now, as we’re gearing up to bring this event back bigger and better than before, we are looking to expand to another great cause in the region.”
Operation Honor Guard is entirely volunteer-run, with volunteers often responsible for acquiring the equipment and clothes required to pay tribute to fallen troops.
"These donations that will be received during the Expo are literally answered prayers for us. During COVID, all our fundraising activities ceased," according to the Metropolis Planet.
"The need for financial support is greater than ever,” Rich Darby, the chief operating officer of Operation Honor Guard stated to WSIL News 3. “A donation to Operation Honor Guard helps ensure that final military honors at a fallen veteran's funeral will continue throughout southern Illinois, We are so grateful to Sen. Dale Fowler for his support and belief in our Southern Illinois Honor Guards."
Along with their own uniforms and equipment, many Honor Guard members often pay their own travel expenses; Operation Honor Guard, NFP's aim is to outfit every Honor Guard in the United States, the program reports.
The organization was founded by a funeral director in Danville, Illinois, according to the site, who recognized the need to assist his hometown's Honor Guards in replacing mismatched and old uniforms.
Registration for the Expo will commence in the coming weeks; more information on the event can be found at SImade.org, and individuals who are interested in making a donation to Operation Honor Guard may do so at operationhonorguard.us.
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