26-02-2025
Honor Guard units receive $100k+ donated during 2024 Operation Honor Guard
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — East Tennessee's Honor Guard units received more than $100,000 in funds on Wednesday that were donated during Operation Honor Guard's Day of Giving in December.
Every year, those serving in the Honor Guard volunteer to pay a final tribute of respect and give military funeral honors to honorably discharged veterans without any cost to the service member's family.
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In East Tennessee, there are six Honor Guard units: Volunteer State Veterans Honor Guard, East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard, Veterans Military Honor Guard of Pigeon Forge, Tri-County Veterans Honor Guard, Loudon County Veterans Honor Guard and American Legion Post 104 Honor Guard.
On December 3, 2024, the annual Operation Honor Guard donation drive raised $105,789 for the units. The annual donation drive is the primary source of income for the East Tennessee Honor Guard and local units. Every year, volunteers with the Honor Guard serve at more than 300 military funerals.
Wednesday, members of the Honor Guard units joined 6 News Anchor Lori Tucker at WATE's studios for the check presentation.
Last year, the Operation Honor Guard donation drive has raised more than $70,000 for the units, and over the last eight years, it has raised more than $820,000.
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Before the checks were awarded, the Honor Guard members were invited to a reception at Greystone Mansion.
Just a few months ago, 6 News' Don Dare spoke with members of the Pigeon Forge Honor Guard who shared how rewarding it is to honor their fallen comrades. Although the unit is smaller, they serve at more than 50 funerals every year.
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