For the past 13 years, long-time Bishop Hill resident Linda Spring has spearheaded and raised funds for the Quad City Honor Flight. The first eleven benefits were organized from her restaurant, The Filling Station, and held either there or in the village park.
According to Spring, the weather always cooperated and the only time the event was canceled, Covid was to blame. After she sold the restaurant in early 2023, she moved the benefit’s location to the Colony School.
The homegrown fundraiser, which has raised close to $150,000 since it began, has sent countless veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials. Priority is given to survivors of WWII, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and any veteran with a terminal illness.
Aside from a menu of pulled pork, potato salad, beans, chips and dessert, Spring’s annual benefit features a raffle and live auction, musical performers and a salute to veterans. Spring is amazed at the number of donations, raffles and auction items that come from the community.
She downplays her own role, giving credit to her host of volunteers who join her passion to help veterans.
“It is always a labor of love, and I get lots of help from everywhere,” said Spring, adding that the village residents provide great support.
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“Their generosity helps make an exceptional day for our veterans,” she said, noting that she owes much to the village organizations such as the Bishop Hill Community Club, the Heritage Association, the Old Settlers, the VASA and the Methodist Church.
All the village merchants give generously, with over one hundred additional sponsors helping to raise funds. Spring said that setting up the tents is handled by the Galva American Legion, with the Knights of Columbus serving as part of “the kitchen crew.” Cub and Boy Scouts also assist, making the day run smoothly. Spring finds that local auctioneers are quick to offer their services, and musicians consider the day one of their favorite gigs.
The concept of sending veterans to Washington D.C. was set in motion in 2008 by the Honor Flight Club of the Quad Cities, which arranges the plane trip from the Moline International Airport. Travel is completed in one day, with each veteran accompanied by volunteers, known as “guardians,” who help them when needed throughout the day. The guardians are responsible for their own fare and say that although the trip is significant to the veterans, they find it a great experience.
In 2014, Spring’s fare was covered by the Quad City club and she was able to join the flight as a special guardian. Being able to see firsthand the reactions of the veterans was a wonderful experience and heightened her desire to continue the benefit each year. Plans are already underway for the 2024 fundraiser.
“There are none more deserving than our veterans,” said Spring. “We want to give them a day to remember.”
For more information about the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, visit their website at www.honorflightqc.org.
