The folks at Central Illinois Honor Flight sent this to Guns Save Life in thanks for what our family did for them at January’s GSL meeting in Rantoul, IL.
In that meeting, at the conclusion of a presentation on what the Honor Flight program is all about by Honor Flight volunteer Matt Difanis, GSL’s President John Boch borrowed someone’s cap and threw $20 in it to start it around the room to raise some money for a great cause.
Ten minutes later, roughly four caps filled with cash made quite a pile in front of Mr. Difanis. It totaled $902 on the first count. GSL’s members voted to write a check from GSL to make it an even thousand.
Dear John:
I have searched for a way to send you a thank you for all you did for Central Illinois Honor Flight through the “Guns Save Life” efforts but have been unable to come up with a physical address.
Hopefully I have attached the letter and that you will know we are extremely grateful for all the efforts of you and your “team” to raise more than$1000 for Central Illinois Honor Flight.
Sincerely;
Don Niehart and the Honor Flight crew
And attached was the formal letter:
January 20,2013
Mr. John Boch and the team from Guns Save Life
Dear John and your Team;
Thank you so much for your generous support of Central Illinois Honor Flight! We are so grateful for your efforts and know that if you stood in the rain to watch the October flight come in to Willard Airiport, you realize the honor that these veterans deserve for their service.
Central Illinois Honor Flight recognizes the men and women who sacrificed in the most hellish conflict in history – World War II. They are known as “The Greatest Generation”, and the most silent. These veterans returned home with little fanfare and went right to work, making a life for themselves and their families. Our freedom and lifestyle evolved because of their service. We are grateful for the opportunity to express our appreciation by flying our veterans, with honor, to their WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Your contribution of more than $1000 from fund raising, received January 2013, will help realize a dream-come-true adventure for our vets.
As Will Rogers said, “we can’t all be heroes, some of us have to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
We plan to continue our mission until every WWII vet from the Central & Southern Illinois area has seen their Memorial. You are helping make it possible. We thank you!
Central Illinois Honor Flight is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. For IRS purposes, your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law – no goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation. Please retain this letter for your tax records.
We hope you’ll continue to support our efforts. Visit our website at http://www.centralillinoishonorflight.org to stay updated on our flights and you’ll be able to see the happy, smiling faces of our vets at the Memorials.
Thank you again – and God bless you.
Yours very truly,
Don Niehart
The Board of Directors Central Illinois Honor Flight
