Latest news with #OperationHonorGuard
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Macon County Honor Guard marks 30th anniversary, 4000 funerals
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — The Honor Guard of American Legion Post 105 is marking a significant milestone in its history, a testament to their hard work and dedication. 'The Honor Guard was started back in 1995,' said Commander Tom Black. The Macon County Honor Huard has been up and running ever since. There have been many great memories in that time, but one this past year highlighted the longtime dedication of Post 105. They participated in their 4,00th funeral. 'I love what these guys do' — Operation Honor Guard raises $130k 'That number was on our radar,' said Scott Scheibly, the Junior Vice Commander. 'We wasn't sure if we was actually going to get it in 2024, [or] if it was going to lead into 2025.' In December, it finally happened. They ran a funeral for Michael Chaney — a Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam. 'After [it] was done, Scott and I was in the tent and I told the people, 'I would like to mention something else here that I think will make you feel good,'' Black said. 'They was really impressed with that, knowing that that's something else that they could help remember their loved one by.' The moment — three decades in the making — wasn't lost on the men performing the funeral either. 'That number represents 30 years of service that the Honor Guard has done for our county,' Scheibly said. '30 years of providing funeral rites for our fallen veterans to that distinctive number of 4000.' Live updates: Operation Honor Guard 2025 Scheibly is one of the younger members. He said one of his favorite parts of serving is coming together with veterans of all different ages to honor fellow service members. And they aren't ready to stop now. 'Of course, we've gone past that,' Scheibly said. 'And someday, the Honor Guard will hit 5000 and above.' Black said as they're looking to keep going, the post needs more volunteers. People can find more information about how to get in contact with them here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘I love what these guys do' — Operation Honor Guard raises $130k
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — WCIA and Operation Honor Guard's Day of Giving raised more than $130,000 for American Legion posts around Central Illinois. Everything from uniforms to rifles and transportation is taken care of by donations from the public. The mission of Operation Honor Guard keeps people coming back year after year. 'There's a gentleman, he never says what his name is, and he comes up every year in an old Ford pickup truck and he gives us 10 $100 bills every year,' said Danville Honor Guard Coordinator Jeff Knapp. 'And a lot of people give nice checks, nice donations: $200, $300, $400. And it just shows our community the support that they give to our Operation Honor Guard.' Live updates: Operation Honor Guard 2025 And carrying on the legacy for those who can't anymore. 'My dad always donated to this, and he passed away in 2023,' said longtime supporter Mary White. 'So my sister and I continue to do it.' Both veterans and civilians were donating. 'I support with the honor guard,' one donor said. 'This is [a] very important function, and we really appreciate what they do here.' 'I come from a family full of veterans and I love what these guys do,' said another. Edwin Cook, Champaign's County's Honor Guard captain said they need the support more than ever. The money will go towards new uniforms, transportation to funerals and more. Making these moving moments in time possible across the state. Central IL businesses step up, donate to Operation Honor Guard 'Just come down and experience it,' Cook said. 'It's not a monetary gain, it's just for the appreciation of your fellow soldiers.' 'We appreciate it, and they appreciate what we do for the community,' Knapp said. 'And it's kind of a two-way door here that they support us, we support them and all we can.' WCIA and Operation Honor Guard set a $125,000 goal, which was not only achieved, but surpassed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Central IL businesses step up, donate to Operation Honor Guard
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Several businesses from around Central Illinois are donating to Operation Honor Guard during its Day of Giving. Operation Honor Guard is a nonprofit organization that raises money for veteran service organizations that provide military funerals for fallen veterans. Because many members of these organizations have to pay for their own uniforms, gear and travel expenses, Operation Honor Guard steps in to ensure they are outfitted and equipped. WCIA's Brandon Merano was present to receive each check from Central Illinois' donating businesses. We thank them for their generosity and support of Operation Honor Guard. Hayley Siefert Real Estate of Danville, led by Heather Baker, donated $5,000. 'I think for us, it was a chance for us to give back to those who have given so much to us,' Baker said. 'Veterans lay their lives on the line for us and so many others and continue to serve and commit to those who have fallen, so if we are able to give back in that way to support them and their continued endeavors, that was the main goal and focus for us.' Sav-Mor Pharmacy of Tuscola, led by Pam Carnes, has been a longtime sponsor of Operation Honor Guard and is donating again in 2025. 'It's an honor to be a part of something that would give back to our veterans for what they did for us,' Carnes said. 'It seems like it gets larger every year.' This year, Sav-More donated $5,000. Heartland Bank has been donating to Operation Honor Guard for the last five years, and its Vice President Chad Sieben has a personal connection to the Honor Guard that makes donating near and dear to him personally and for his business. Heather Harshbarger of Adams Memorial in Champaign said her business wanted to donate to support all of its veterans who have served and who are currently serving. In addition, her grandfather served in the U.S. Army. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Live updates: Operation Honor Guard 2025
UPDATE at 6:40 a.m. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — WCIA is almost an hour into the start of the annual Operation Honor Guard's Day of Giving event. Founder Rich Darby talks about the friendly faces you will see when you bring a donation to our backlot in Champaign and the other locations. When donations come in, all of the collection sites are manned by honor guards who will be among those benefiting from the community's contributions. Champaign American Legion Post 24 helps with the event every year, starting bright and early at 6 a.m. in WCIA 3's backlot. UPDATE at 6:20 a.m. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — A couple of donations have already started rolling in at our backlot in Champaign. WCIA 3's Taylor Mitchell caught up with Founder Rich Darby to talk about the importance of Operation Honor Guard and how the community can contribute. CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Today marks WCIA 3's 12th year participating in Operation Honor Guard's Day of Giving — an event dedicated to supporting the veterans who continue to serve our country. Throughout the day, we will be providing updates on those being recognized and more. We will be collecting donations from the community at several locations in Central Illinois from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. To learn more or donate online, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Operation Honor Guard supports fallen veterans across US
Operation Honor Guard is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing military funerals for fallen veterans across the United States. Rich Darby, the group's president, joins 'Morning in America' to discuss how Americans can help its cause. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
