VetsRoll fundraises in Machesney Park to give veterans a trip to DC

MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. (WTVO) — VetsRoll, a South Beloit nonprofit, hosted a fundraiser at Benny’s Nest in Machesney Park on Saturday. The nonprofit is raising funds to send next year’s class of veterans to Washington D.C.

Army veteran Dick Watermolen took the trip last year and enjoyed every second.

“It was fantastic. Probably the best four days of my life. Seeing all the monuments and all those kinds of patriotic things was great. The food was excellent,” said Watermolen. “But the really cool part was the camaraderie. The relationships you develop on this trip are just to die for it. It was such an experience.”

The organization relies on fundraisers and donations to take hundreds of veterans on the trip and that inspired Janine Idstein to organize the fundraiser.

“It just it’s a passion of mine that has continued to grow over the years. As I’ve gotten to know more and more veterans, especially the Vietnam vets,” said Idstein. “They have a special place in my heart to be able to give them a check that is going to help send however many vets we can. We can help get them to Washington for the trip of a lifetime. It just makes it all worth it. it’s such a great feeling.”

Watermolen said every veteran should get a chance to visit.

“I think it’s important to carry on the tradition of sending these folks veterans to Washington, D.C.,” said Watermolen. “Every year we lose more and more World War Two vets. Very few left. And those guys deserve their respect.”

To donate to VetsRoll visit their website .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.