Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois recognized the team of over 300 volunteers that contribute to each flight at a dinner held at The Pavilion in Marion.
“We are only able to continue this mission because of the work all of you put in,” board chairman Bryan Questelle said.
During the dinner, the board recognized several organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to Honor Flight. Donations from Peoples National Bank, Pass One Hour, WPS Healthcare, J&L Automotive, Walmart, O’Charley’s, and the Harrison-Bruce Foundation were and continue to be instrumental in the continuation of the Honor Flight mission.
Flight Team member Ed Smith was recognized for his efforts with the Daniel E. Finke Meritorious Service Award, an Award created in memory of Lt Dan who was a key volunteer with Honor Flight.
Because Honor Flight is funded by donations, the dinner was funded by individual sponsors: Pass One Hour, State Senator Dale Fowler, and WSIL TV 3. The Pavilion also donated the banquet space. No Honor Flight funds were spent on the event.
Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois is a hub of the Honor Flight Network and is dedicated to the service of the veterans in Southern Illinois. Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with all available donations going directly to flight costs. As of 2019, 97.5% of all donated money was used for flight costs.
