Gary Nelson of McLeansboro joined the US Army in February of 1968 to serve his country. Eventually deployed to fight in Vietnam, Nelson was honorably discharged in 1971 and returned to McLeansboro. Proud of his service, he applied to fly with Veterans Honor Flight in 2018. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, Nelson was overjoyed in February 2024 when he received the call to fly as an Honored Veteran with Veterans Honor Flight. Mission 12 departed early in the morning on May 7, 2024 with Nelson onboard. After a long day in Washington DC, stopping eight times to visit memorials and Arlington National Cemetery, Nelson returned with his flight to Marion to a hero’s welcome. Nelson returned home, reflecting on his Honor Flight experience and felt he must do something to help other Veterans [...Read more]

During the Welcome Home Celebration for Mission 13, which transported 89 honored Veterans to D.C., the Board of Directors of Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois announced the mission will continue in the Spring. "We continue to get applications, and the mission is not over," said Bryan Questelle, Chairman. "As long as we have Veterans to honor, and the funding to do it, we're going back." Questelle said Mission 14 is planned for Tuesday, May 6, 2025, continuing the history of the organization operating one spring and one fall mission per year. Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois has now flown over 1,000 Veterans from all across Southern Illinois and the surrounding area. Flights are completely free to Veterans and are provided completely by donations to the non-profit o [...Read more]

Join us at 5 p.m. for a festival of gratitude, love, and patriotism! Bring your banners, lawn chairs, and spirit as we roll out the red carpet for our heroes returning from Washington, D.C. The evening promises a vibrant atmosphere with delicious offerings from local food trucks like Cone to Table, Crazy Asian Eats, and more, while enjoying tunes from Daniel Brothers Band and Whiskey and Rust. Our heartfelt ceremony begins at 8:45 p.m., led by Emcee Steve Falat and a stirring National Anthem. Let’s show our veterans the appreciation they deserve with a sea of red, white, and blue! Parking is limited, but no worries! Enjoy free park and ride services from Sam's Club and Cornerstone Church, ensuring easy access for all. Over 350 volunteers will be there to assist, wearing bright [...Read more]