Washington County Chamber to facilitate challenge grant as American Legion Honor Guard fundraiser surpasses $90K

Funds will replace an aging bus used for funerals, ceremonies and major community events.

TribLive

Members of the American Legion Post 175 Honor Guard travel throughout Washington County and surrounding areas to honor veterans at funeral services and to represent the military at civic and patriotic events across the community.

The Honor Guard’s bus carries members to everything from military funerals and holiday ceremonies to Flag Day and September 11 tributes, as well as major community events like the Pony League World Series. Just a month into 2026, the Honor Guard has already provided military honors at 15 funerals.

As the Honor Guard works to replace its aging, unreliable bus, the community — including strong backing from local businesses — has rallied behind the effort, pushing the fundraising campaign past $90,000. With the final phase of the campaign approaching, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency has agreed to facilitate a challenge grant on behalf of the Honor Guard.

The Honor Guard launched the campaign earlier this summer after its current bus, which has logged more than 228,000 miles, began to fail.

“We started this campaign because the bus was just falling apart,” said Dennis Bailey, commander of the American Legion Post 175 Honor Guard. “Parts were falling off on the way to services, and something had to be done. We can’t risk not being there when families are counting on us.”

Based in Washington near Trinity High School, the Honor Guard serves Washington County and nearby communities year-round, regardless of weather. Over the past five years, the group has honored more than 500 veterans at funeral services.

“Every veteran deserves military honors at the funeral,” Bailey said. “We don’t pick and choose. Rain, snow, sleet or hail — we are there.”

As of this month, the campaign has received close to 80 individual donations, bringing the total raised to $90,055. More than 30 businesses have also contributed, helping move the effort closer to its $115,000 goal for a new bus.

Three recent corporate donations significantly accelerated progress. U.S. Steel contributed $30,000, followed by $20,000 from The Washington Financial Charitable Foundation and $10,000 from AccuTrex.

Mike Chaido, President and CEO of Washington Financial Bank, said the Washington Financial Charitable Foundation is proud to support the Honor Guard’s mission.

“What resonated with us is that these veterans have chosen a lifetime of service. In six years, they have provided Military Honors to over 500 veterans,” said Chaido. “The Honor Guard’s commitment to showing up, time after time, for families in their moment of need is something we wholeheartedly stand behind.”

With approximately $25,000 left to raise, Post 175 leaders are preparing for a final push through a challenge grant, which will be facilitated by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency. The challenge will invite the community to match a $12,500 business pledge with $12,500 in new donations.

Jeff Kotula, president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency, said the Chamber was honored to support the effort and help bring the campaign across the finish line.

“The business community has already stepped up in a significant way to support the Honor Guard,” Kotula said. “As there are over 1.7 million veteran-owned businesses in the United States and over 15,000 veterans living in Washington County alone, we are honored to help facilitate this challenge grant and encourage the community to rally together to raise the final $25,000. This is an important mission, and it reflects the respect Washington County has for its veterans.”

Bailey said the Chamber’s involvement underscores the broadbased support for the campaign.

“So many people and businesses have stepped up to support the cause,” he said. “We’re incredibly grateful, and now we’re in the final leg of this campaign.”

Once the goal is reached, the Honor Guard plans to purchase a new bus to ensure safe and dependable transportation for years to come. Leaders say replacing the current vehicle is essential to maintaining the professionalism and dignity expected at military honors services.

“This has truly become a community effort,” Bailey said. “It’s veterans honoring veterans, and neighbors and businesses coming together to make sure we can keep doing this the right way.”

Donations toward the Honor Guard’s new bus can be made online at zeffy.com (click here). Those interested in learning more about the campaign or supporting the challenge grant phase can also contact Dennis Bailey at dennisbailey@ verizon.net.

Contributions may also be mailed to American Legion Honor Guard, 168 Park Ave., Washington, PA 15301. Post 175 leaders say every donation, regardless of size, helps ensure the Honor Guard can continue showing up for veterans and their families when it matters most.