REALTORS®, state Sen. Dale Fowler of Harrisburg and members of the Southern Illinois Chambers of Commerce presented a check for $28,000 to the Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois last Friday in Marion.

State Sen. Dale Fowler of Harrisburg speaks as volunteers from Southern Illinois Made Expo hold a check for more than $28,000.

The money came from the proceeds of the first Southern Illinois Made Expo, held in late July at the Veterans’ Airport of Southern Illinois in Marion. Following the expo – which brought together local consumers, Southern Illinois businesses, the Southern Illinois Chambers of Commerce and elected officials – the Egyptian Board of REALTORS® (EBOR) and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) pledged a combined donation to the local honor flight organization.

The Veterans Honor Flight from Southern Illinois is a nonprofit organization that offers area military veterans a one-day trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the country’s war monuments and memorials. Veterans must apply to be selected for a flight. Priority is given to World War II, Korean and Vietnam-era veterans. The organization pays for airfare, bus fare, entry fees, food and supplies for participating veterans. The next flight is scheduled for Oct. 16.

Find out more about Southern Illinois honor flights.