[October 24, 2018]      

What do video games, comics and memorabilia have in common with veterans? This past Saturday, the Cronin Brothers VFW and Primary Colours Retro Relics hosted something new for the Lincoln-Logan County community. Vet-Con, a convention dedicated to games, comics, and various “nerdy” memorabilia, was a fundraiser with proceeds going to the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight. The convention was described as “the nerd's way to celebrate our freedoms and to give back to the veterans that have fought for those freedoms.”

The event was free to the public with voluntary donations taken at the door and the opportunity to pick out a free comic book. Various activities included twenty vendor tables offering video games, comics and toys; food concessions by the Bob Graue Marine Corp League; a silent auction stocked with items donated by locals; tournaments in various Nintendo 64 titles; and a costume contest.

During the day, visitors also had a chance to get an autograph and a photo with Kevin Duhaney, an actor best known for playing Ethan James, The Blue DinoThunder Ranger, on television.

The Honor Flight program is a nationwide network dedicated to providing all veterans who apply, a free trip to Washington DC to visit memorials honoring their service and sacrifice. You can make donations and learn more about the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight at LandofLincolnHonorFlight.Org.

[Derek Hurley]