Midwest WingFest

01/12/2026

**** Call For Attendance (Rock Island, IL)****

Cody Allen Vols, age 25, passed away on Wednesday , December 31, 2025. He was born on June 25, 2000 from East Moline, Illinois. He is survived by his daughter Eden Vols (4 months).

Cody served his country with honor and pride in the United States Army. Serving in Germany at the 5th BN 4th ADAR.

Funeral and Visitation will take place at Van Hoe Funeral Home , followed by a burial at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois.

Visitation
Monday, 12 January 2026
4:00 - 7:00 pm

Funeral Service
Tuesday, 13 January 2026
Starts at 10:00 am

Van Hoe Funeral Home
924 15th Ave
East Moline, IL 61244

Burial immediately following funeral

Rock Island National Cemetery
BLDG 118, ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL
ROCK ISLAND, IL 61299

11/09/2025

Hero Down Flags Up!!

Look below for mission details.

View Kenneth C. McLaughlin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/07/2025

Guess who is about to play? You all saw him first!!

09/02/2025

08/31/2025

After 20 years of having plans every Labor Day. What do you think I’d do with my first year off????

Eat some wings, Drink some beer and love on our Heroes. That’s what we do..

08/31/2025

We sure do miss you all!!

07/17/2025

Do not reply!
HERO DOWN FLAGS UP
REPATRIATION
GALESBURG ILLINOIS
AFTER 75 years!
U.S. Army Cpl. Paul Eugene Hoots, 25, of Galesburg, Illinois, killed during the Korean War, was accounted-for Nov. 15, 2024
Returning Home on July 24th,2025
The Flagman’s Mission Continues needs help from the community of
Galesburg, Illinois
and surrounding communities to create a memorial of flags:
on:
WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY
JULY23rd and JULY 24th 2025

Up to 600 (3 x 5 flags on 10-foot poles) to show respect to a fallen hero. If you can carry 5-lbs and walk you can help!

Should be able to accomplish this in about 3 hours with enough help

>If you are running a little late please still come and help.

SET-UP
Date: Wednesday July 23rd,2025
Time: 4PM Central Time

Location: meet us at
Hinchliff-Pearson-West, Inc., Galesburg funeral home
1070 West Fremont St.
Galesburg, IL 61401

TAKE DOWN:

Date: Thursday July 24th,2025
Time: 4PM Central Time

Location: meet us at.
Hinchliff-Pearson-West, Inc., Galesburg funeral home
1070 West Fremont St.
Galesburg, IL 61401

NOTES:

• We will need approximately 6 clean empty pickup trucks (no trailers please) to transport some flags.

• We will be bringing 600 flags, needed equipment and provide instructions for setting up and taking down flags.

• Recommend wear gloves and walking shoes. Your own beverages, hydrate.

• Youth groups, children (prefer over the age of 11) are encouraged to help.

• There is no commitment or sign up, just show up either or both days if you can. We need just as many people to take down the flags as we need to set them up.

Any questions please call or text us at 618-409-0323.

Missions additional information:
Funeral visitation 10-11am JULY24th,2025
Funeral service at 11am
Followed by es**rt to local cemetery

U.S. Army Cpl. Paul Eugene Hoots | Prairie Communications, LLC

06/13/2025

Hey Wing Fans!! Here is one of the most affordable but insanely rewarding way you can help the kids of your community. I promise, if you care about them you will be glad you stopped what you were doing to read on.

“Proud is an understatement,” said the Illinois State Police camp coordinator.

06/03/2025

Great things are coming! 🇺🇸
It felt amazing to get some of the crew back together this week. Nearly 20 years of serving our community and honoring its heroes through WingFest—and these folks are still some of the most dedicated, fun, and hardworking people I’ve ever known.

The impact you’ve made over the years has truly changed lives, and I know we’re not done yet. Thank you for your heart, your hustle, and your loyalty. The best is still ahead! 💪🔥

05/20/2025

🚨 Important Update from Midwest WingFest – “Wings for Warriors” 🇺🇸

After much thought and discussion, our team has made the difficult decision not to bring WingFest back in 2025. The safety concerns following last year’s event have created too many variables and expenses for our all-volunteer crew to manage responsibly.

We want to sincerely thank all of our loyal patrons, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and city officials who have supported us over the past 18 years. Your dedication and belief in our mission have meant the world to us.

But this is not the end—just a new chapter.

👉 We’re already planning smaller, more intentional, and deeply patriotic events that continue our mission of honoring and supporting our local heroes.

If you love your community, your country, and those who serve, stay tuned. There’s more to come. 💪🇺🇸

05/15/2025

I just recently learned about the National Memorial of Military Ascent—and I can’t believe more people don’t know about it! This is such an important monument for our oocal heroes and Midwest Wingfest is proud to become a founding g member.

Located right in Grafton, IL, this powerful memorial is currently under construction and will honor all who have served in our nation’s armed forces—especially those lost to war, combat-related injuries, and the invisible wounds of PTSD and su***de.

Because it’s still being built, we all have the chance to be part of it. From donations to sponsorships and even volunteer opportunities, there are many ways to support this sacred and much-needed space of remembrance and healing.

Take a minute to check it out. You’ll be glad you did: https://graftonmemorial.org

Let’s help bring this vision to life and show our heroes they’re never forgotten.