MARION (WSIL) -- News 3 WSIL is proud to join with the Southern Illinois Community Foundation to help local non-profits.
Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois honors Veterans by flying them to Washington D.C. free of charge.
"We feel it's important to give back to these Veterans. Many of them think that they've been forgotten about and we want them to know how much their service means to us and that they really are remembered as being heroes," says Board Member Hope Patterson.
Patterson says they typically have two flights a year and take them to see monuments and memorials built in their honor. "They're always so kind and so humble. I love to see their face at the very end of the day when we come home and they're celebrated like they are. Most of them say that the whole trip is wonderful but the welcome home when they see familiar faces cheering for them it's the best part."
Patterson says the although they're unable to fly right now they encourage Veterans to apply.
More than 70 organizations will benefit from Give-SI. Those groups serve veterans, the homeless, animals in need, and many other local causes. Click to find out more.
