8,500 Journeys: John Erickson and the Eden Express
While John Erickson has visited 48 states, the journeys closest to his Rockford home hold many of his fondest memories. For over twenty years, Erickson helmed The Salvation Army's Eden Express, a 15-passenger bus that whisked low-income seniors on sightseeing trips across Illinois and beyond. From museums and art galleries to theatres and apple orchards, Erickson drove seniors from Dubuque to Madison, ensuring that every journey was not just a destination but an experience to cherish.
The story of the Eden Express traces back two decades ago. Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Sjogren and Norma Baker, Community Relations Director for The Salvation Army, sought to expand the Senior Outreach program. Inspired by a meeting at Anderson Gardens, an idea took shape to take low-income seniors on sightseeing expeditions across Illinois and neighboring states. The Anderson Family's generous donation of a 15-passenger bus provided the crucial means to realize this vision. Affectionately named Eden Express, the bus would embark on numerous journeys and uplift the spirits of thousands of underprivileged seniors.
As the years passed and the mileage grew on the bus, the Anderson Family would generously gift two additional buses. Each one was driven by Erickson and held the cherished name of Eden Express.
For 22 years, John Erickson piloted the Eden Express, ferrying seniors to familiar and new destinations—from cherished local spots to iconic landmarks. Traveling from the John Deere Museum in Moline to the White Pines Lodge Dinner Theatre in Mount Morris, Erickson drove to thousands of locations and clocked over 8,000 trips. Seniors submitted their travel requests to The Salvation Army, and Erickson became the trusted navigator, ensuring every trip was infused with warmth, laughter, cherished memories, and the gift of exploration.
For many seniors, the burdens of driving and the constraints of finances restricted them to the familiar confines of their residences. Erickson's excursions offered a welcomed respite. Whether it was the thrill of catching a baseball game at Miller Park in Milwaukee or the serenity of an evening amidst the Christmas light displays of Sinnissippi Park, each outing was met with gratitude and excitement.
With an intimate knowledge of back roads along the way, Erickson crafted each journey with care and consideration. Erickson always took a different route home to maximize the sightseeing. Whether it was a detour through Amish country or a stop to marvel at reindeer on a local farm, he made sure every outing was memorable.
Erickson understood the true magic of the Eden Express lay not solely in the destinations reached but in the memories made along the way. Armed with a repertoire of jokes and conversation starters, he created an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared experiences on the bus. He would ask questions such as, "What was Christmas like when you were growing up?" Conversations meandered through the corridors of memory, with passengers recounting tales of yesteryears and cherished childhoods.
As Erickson reflects on his tenure with the Eden Express, he finds it hard to narrow down his favorite memories; however, one special trip is etched in his heart. When traveling to Galena with a group of women, he received a phone call from his wife and learned that his mother-in-law had passed away. As he was stopped, the passengers surrounded him and prayed for his family. Erickson said, "I always prayed for everyone that rode with me, but on that day, all those women prayed for me. I will never forget that."
Erickson also remembers making a short trip to Freeport, Illinois—a journey less than 30 miles from Rockford. After getting off the bus, one woman stated, "This is the farthest I've ever been from my home." Due to financial constraints, she had never ventured outside of Rockford. The Eden Express allowed her the opportunity to travel, and even the shortest distance made a huge impact.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the wheels of the Eden Express ground to a halt, disrupting a tradition that had brought adventure and joy to countless seniors. Trips were suspended, but Erickson's dedication to serving endured. From coordinating grocery deliveries to transporting hot meals during the holidays, Erickson helped ensure seniors remained supported during challenging times.
After 22 years of dedicated service to The Salvation Army, John Erickson made the bittersweet decision to retire in 2023. Despite stepping away from the driver's seat, his legacy of compassion and generosity lives on. With over 8,500 journeys under his belt, Erickson's contributions, alongside the unwavering support of the Anderson Family, have empowered countless seniors to explore the world beyond their doorstep. Museums, zoos, theaters, and concerts became not just distant dreams but tangible realities for those aboard the Eden Express.
As Erickson embarks on a new chapter, his career serves as a reminder that a single individual can make a profound difference in the lives of many.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for everything he has done for our community. May his road ahead be paved with blessings, and may his legacy inspire future generations.
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