Christmas came early for VFW Post 6060 in Elizabeth City, with a big present showing up in their parking lot, all for their Honor Guard.
“I love it. We love it,” said Joe Franzese, one of the Honor Guard Members.
It's out with their old, broken down 1986 GMC Vandura, and in with a brand new 2013 Chevy Express.
“It’s taken us about a year, but with so much support from the community, it’s been overwhelming,” said Monica Sandridge, the Honor Guard Commander.
NewsChannel 3 first brought you the story about the post's Honor Guard team six months ago--volunteers who travel throughout Virginia and North Carolina to make sure every veteran gets the military funeral they deserve.
They could never rely on their transportation, until now.
“Everybody is excited! Tomorrow is going to be the first day we are going out to a funeral,” said Franzese.
Excited, because of what the new van offers that they didn’t have before.
“It actually starts up, and its the first time all our windows are working. Plus, we got heat and air conditioning,” said Franzese.
No more worries about doors not locking, and no more fears about breaking down on the side of the highway.
The Honor Guard commander says it’s all thanks those who donated, no matter how big or small the amount.
“Those $15, $10, even $1 donations went a long way,” said Sandridge.
Wednesday, with their new van as a backdrop, VFW Post 6060 wanted to give special thanks to Southern Bank and Twiford Funeral Home--both donated $5,000 to their fund.
“We not only appreciate what they do, but every funeral we go to, they help us do the right thing and support these people, so it’s a community effort,” said Sandridge about Twiford Funeral Home.
In front of NewsChannel 3’s cameras, Post 6060 gave a plaque to their owner, David Twiford.
They then did the same for Southern Bank, who actually gave the post the last donation they needed to reach their goal of $30,000.
“We all have to give back to our communities, we all have to help each other. That’s what it’s about, that’s what this country was built on,” said Taylor Harrell, a VP with Southern Bank in Norfolk.
Post 6060 also made sure to thank the station that took action and got results.
“Channel 3, it’s unbelievable. Thank you so much for your support!”
Related:
Good News: NewsChannel 3 takes action to help VFW Honor Guard
Here’s the Good News: Southern Bank donation helps Honor Guard get new van
