Community Involvement

The H.O.M.E. Foundation exists to connect and strengthen the veterans, active-duty military, law enforcement, and firefighters of the Metro East — and nothing brings that mission to life like getting together in person. Here’s where to find our events, our story, and the ways you can get involved.

Our Annual Fundraisers

A Community-Wide Gathering

The team is working hard putting together our very first fundraiser called Wheels For Warriors. We will share more details as they are available but if you are part of the local hero community or their immediate family and would like to consider joining the team reach out today to Doug.

See upcoming dates & get tickets →

Read the Recaps

After every event, we publish photos, highlights, and thank-yous to our sponsors and volunteers on our blog — a lasting record of what the Metro East community accomplished together.

Visit the blog →

Charities We Support

Get to know the local charities your donations and fundraisers help power — hear directly from the people behind them.

The Powerful Story Behind Flags of Valor - interview with Rick Randall of America's Heartland Remembers ►

America’s Heartland Remembers

Flags of Valor — thousands of flags honoring fallen heroes, returning to Art Hill in Forest Park for the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
How Illinois State Police Are Changing Teens' Lives - interview with MSgt. Calvin Dye Jr. ►

Illinois State Police – Youth Camp

MSgt. Calvin Dye Jr. on how ISP’s youth camp program is changing teens’ lives across the region.
Uplifting Homeless Veterans - interview with Christopher Williams of The Eagles Nest ►

The Eagles Nest

Christopher Williams on how The Eagles Nest gives homeless veterans in East St. Louis housing, life skills training, and a path forward.
Interview with Todd Korves from Brett's First Responders ►

Brett’s First Responders

Todd Korves on Brett’s First Responders and the support it provides to local first responders.
Interview with the Fraternal Order of Police's Nick Schmidt ►

Fraternal Order of Police

Nick Schmidt on the Fraternal Order of Police and its work supporting law enforcement in our community.
Interview with VFW Veteran Service Officer Craig Koch ►

VFW – Veteran Service Office

Veteran Service Officer Craig Koch on military comradery, the VFW, and getting veterans the benefits they’ve earned.
Hero Down, Flags Up: The Flag Man Mission with Jeff Hastings ►

The Flag Man Mission

Jeff Hastings, CEO of The Flag Man Mission, on lining funeral routes with flags to honor fallen active-duty heroes.

Community In Action

A few moments from recent events and community partnerships.

Flags donated by The Flagman's Mission Continues on display at Midwest Wing Fest in Fairview Heights, IL, supporting our local hero community.
Flags donated by The Flagman’s Mission Continues at Midwest Wing Fest — supporting our local hero community.
Presenting a donation check in support of local veterans.
Presenting a donation check in support of local veterans.
Community members enjoying a nighttime festival event.
Community members enjoying a nighttime festival event.
A little Wing Fest mascot magic between events.
A little Wing Fest mascot magic between events.
Selfie with the Midwest Wing Fest mascot.
Selfie with the Midwest Wing Fest mascot.
Friends gathered for a community fundraiser supporting local veterans.
Friends gathered for a community fundraiser supporting local veterans.
Supporters at a community fundraiser benefiting local veterans.
Supporters at a community fundraiser benefiting local veterans.
Team H.O.M.E. volunteers at a community event.
Team H.O.M.E. volunteers at a community event.
Local heroes and supporters gathered for a community walk.
Local heroes and supporters gathered for a community walk.
Connecting with a fellow veteran at a community event.
Connecting with a fellow veteran at a community event.
Wing Fest mascots ready for the crowd.
Wing Fest mascots ready for the crowd.
Taking the Wing Fest spirit to new heights.
Taking the Wing Fest spirit to new heights.
Up in the air with local heroes.
Up in the air with local heroes.
The Freedom250 Freedom Truck mobile museum on site at a community event.
The Freedom250 Freedom Truck mobile museum on site at a community event.
The Flagman's Mission Continues — flags of honor lining the road, O'Fallon, Illinois.
The Flagman’s Mission Continues — flags of honor lining the road, O’Fallon, Illinois.
Volunteers placing flags along the road with The Flagman's Mission Continues.
Volunteers placing flags along the road with The Flagman’s Mission Continues.
Roy-el Catering's American Pride food truck at a community event.
Roy-el Catering’s American Pride food truck at a community event.

Ways to Get Involved

Attend an Event

Join us at an upcoming fundraiser or community event — check the calendar for dates, locations, and ticket links.

View Events →

Become a Sponsor

Sponsorship supports our mission year-round and puts your business in front of the Metro East’s veteran, law enforcement, and firefighter community — including recognition at our annual events.

See Sponsorship Opportunities →

List Your Business

Are you a military, law enforcement, or firefighter-owned business? Join our Business Directory and grow alongside others in the network.

Become a Provider →

Follow Our Story

Read Hero Stories, event recaps, and community news as we grow — and get notified when tickets for our next fundraiser go live.

Read the Blog →

Become an Ambassador

Be a face for H.O.M.E. in your own circle — share our events and mission, introduce us to local heroes and business owners, and help spread the word wherever you go. No fundraising quota, just genuine word-of-mouth support.

Name

Become a Volunteer

Lend a hand at events, help with setup and teardown, or support our mission behind the scenes. No experience necessary — just a willingness to pitch in when we need it most.

Name

Have an idea for how The H.O.M.E. Foundation could get more involved in the community? Reach out to Doug@heroesofthemetroeast.org.

Scroll to Top