Operation Honor Guard 2023

Thank You!

From everyone who helped put together this event and help Operation Honor Guard thank you. We raised a total of $151,650 from our event, crushing our original goal of $120,000 thanks to your support and generous donations. From Decatur to Danville, from Mattoon to Champaign, we all came together for a common goal to help Honor Guard members provide services at veteran funerals, purchase materials, and more. If you couldn’t make it out during the event or are still wanting to donate, you can donate online using the button down below.

“I share a deep gratitude to all of the WCIA viewers for coming out again and blowing this year’s total away. If you’ll have me back next year, we’re out to do bigger and better things.” – Operation Honor Guard founder Rich Darby.

On May 10, 2023, WCIA 3 hosted its 10th annual backlot event in support of Operation Honor Guard. We collected donations from the community and our proud sponsors to help veterans who continue to serve our country. You can continue to support Operation Honor guard by donating online using the button on the side. We look forward to seeing the community come out and support our veterans at our next event!

Donate Online Today
LocationAddress
WCIA 3 Back parking lot 509 S. Neil St. Champaign (Across the street
from the Champaign Public Library)
Hall of Fame Plaques & Signs Shop 3550 N. Vermilion St. Danville
Sunset Funeral Home’s Westville Chapel 414 S. State St. Westville
Sunset Funeral Home’s Mahomet Chapel 1102 Churchill Rd. Mahomet
Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral home 1200 Wabash Ave. Mattoon
SavMor Pharmacy 104 E. Southline Rd. Tuscola
Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home North Chapel 4020 N. Water St. Decatur, IL

Operation Honor Guard Articles

Operation Honor Guard 2023 Sponsors

Why it’s important to get involved with
Operation Honor Guard

When our military puts on their uniform, they commit to a life of service, dedication and sacrifice, all in defense of something bigger than themselves.  As citizens of the nation they so nobly defend, it is our privilege and responsibility to stand behind them, ready and willing to provide them any support necessary.  This doesn’t end when these soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines take their last breath.

These heroes have earned the right to be buried with military honors.  Unfortunately, many communities lack the funds and resources needed to say farewell to these men and women in the manner they deserve.  Operation Honor Guard, NFP provides charitable assistance to organizations working to provide military funerals for veterans and service members.

These special fund drives will support honor guards throughout Central Illinois. The Darby Family, the staff of Sunset Funeral Homes along with the entire WCIA staff are honored to support those who are still serving their nation by providing Honor Guards to our fallen Veterans.

They served. They still serve today.

Every day a group of veteran volunteers stands guard and performs military rites at a veteran’s funeral. This group of volunteers is known as the Honor Guard. They serve in all weather conditions, any time of day, and without compensation.

The Posts that support these Honor Guards have a number of costs associated with their service including the cost of flags, uniforms, transportation, guns and ammunition. Donations will be given to participating American Legion and VFW Posts.

Help us to fund honor guards throughout Central Illinois! Participate in our Day of Giving to help, and visit operationhonorguard.us for more information.

Last Year’s Event

Our event on May 18th, 2022 was a huge success! We surpassed our goal of $125,000 with over $138,000 in donations! Thank you to everyone who donated and helped make this event a success.