Operation Honor Guard 2024: Veterans of the Hour

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Throughout Operation Honor Guard’s Day of Giving , WCIA 3 featured several veterans from across Central Illinois who continue to serve their communities.

Here are 2024’s Veterans of the Hour.

Gerry Arnholt, American Legion Post #210

Gerry Arnholt was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent off to Korea. He was up bright and early Wednesday morning to collect donations and speak with Jack Krumm about Operation Honor Guard at the event’s Danville location.

Jeff Knapp, American Legion Post #210

Jeff Knapp helped organize the Danville collection event for Operation Honor Guard. He expressed his gratitude for those that give.

“When times are rough, every year this Danville community and the community around our area, they come by and support us most generously,” Knapp said. “And today we’ve already had a lot of generous donations. It really makes us proud that people know what we do and then support us like they do.”

Ralph Reed, American Legion Post #210

Ralph Reed has spent 41 years with American Legion Post 210 in Danville. He shared all the ways money raised through the Operation Honor Guard Day of Giving can go a long way. Reed also talked about how American Legion units are there to lend a hand to each other if needed.

Bob Dorsey, Penfield Gifford American Legion Post #1153

Dorsey was “the number one draft choice” into the U.S. Army in 1970, and eventually ended up in Germany. He praises Operation Honor Guard for encouraging comradery and generosity within communities across Central Illinois and beyond.

Edwin Cook, VFW Post #5520

Veteran Edwin Cook has been participating in Operation Honor Guard’s Day of Giving for 11 years.

“We don’t do this for any accolades, we just do this because we think it’s right for our veterans to have this type of service. And to see our community have this type of support for us, it means a lot,” he said.

Cook said that Operation Honor Guard is important because it helps provide veterans an honorable and patriotic funeral. They are also looking to recruit younger veterans and provide then with a community that understands.

Robbie Walker, American Legion Post #559

Robbie Walker was involved in the First Gulf War. He enjoys the community and service he can provide to his fellow veterans through Operation Honor Guard. He is now a VA claims agent.

Walker said his favorite part of the Day of Giving event is reaching donation goals.

Robert Sims, American Legion

This year’s Operation Honor Guard event is in memory of Robert Sims, who was a longtime volunteer of WCIA 3’s Day of Giving event. As such, it was only fitting that he be 2024’s final Veteran of the Hour.

Sims served in the Marine Corps from 1962-1965. He was part of the Cuban Missile Crisis and later spent time in the Pacific theater. Upon his return to the U.S., he joined the Sullivan American Legion Post #68 and was a dedicated member of the Honor Guard.

Founder Rich Darby highlighted the late, great Sims on his behalf.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.