Illinois Amvets

AMVETS
Illinois
July 2014 Convention issue!
Call to Action: Volunteer & help our veterans today!
Chris Studebaker elected
Department Commander 2014-2015
In this issue:
• Studebaker elected
Department
Commander
• Convention photos
• Scholarship
winners announced
• Honors & Awards
presented
AMVETS State Headquarters
2200 South 6th Street
Springfield, IL 62703
NoNprofit org.
U.S. poStage
paid
permit No. 174
peoria, iL
www.ilamvets.org
Volume 38 No. 7
Hello,
am a life member of
my name is
AMVETS, and the
Chris Studebaker
VFW and a member
and I am your newof the American Lely elected Departgion and Teamsters
ment Commandlocal 26 in Chamer. I would like to
paign. I currently rethank everyone for
side in Pontiac.
their votes and supMembership is the
port.
cornerstone
of the
I am the
AMVETS
organizagrandson of two
tion and as the DeWWII Army veterpartment Commandans and the son of a
er I setting a goal to
Vietnam War Army
increase the memVeteran. I served
bership in Illinois
in the US Navy for
by 10% this year. I
six years from 1992PNC John Sisler swearing in Department Commander
plan
to work in conChris Studebaker
1998. I was stationed
junction with the Seonboard the USS
bership
nior
Vice
of
Membership and the
Sacramento AOE-1 for five years, My father Robert StudeMembership
Director to achieve
home ported in Bremerton, WA. baker is a Past 4th National DisWhile I was in the Navy I reached trict Commander and Past De- this goal. I would like to see all of
the rank of Machinist Mate Sec- partment Commander and my our existing Posts positioned for
ond Class Petty Officer E-5. My mother, Norma Studebaker, is a growth this year, so reach out and
primary duties onboard the ship Past Department President. I am ask for advice if you feel you need
were as an underway replenish- currently employed by the Illinois some new ideas. Starting up a few
new Posts in the State of Illinois
ment hydraulic specialist and an
this year will make AMVETS a
underway replenishment safety
strong organization. Each of us
officer. I made two six-month
likely knows a Veteran or active
Western Pacific deployments to
duty service person that is not
the Persian Gulf in support of
a member, please reach out and
Operation Southern Watch. I
ask them about joining the great
earned two Navy Achievement
organization of AMVETS! If you
Medals, Enlisted Surface Warfare
know someone in another comSpecialist Breast Insignia and ten
munity, pitch them the idea of
other medals and ribbons during
starting a new posts.
my enlistment.
This coming year I would
I joined AMVETS in 1992
like see more green hats comwhen my father signed me up. I
ing to the state meetings. We
am a life and charter member of
need your input on our operapost 115 in Pontiac where I am
tions around the state and in
currently the finance officer and
your posts. What’s working or
adjutant. On the state level I
Chaplain
Jim
Johnson
and
PDP
Norma
not
working in membership, prohave held the following offices:
Studebaker
during
the
swearing
in
grams,
volunteering, etc. You are
• District IV Commander
the life blood of this organization.
• Department Provost Marshal
Department of Transportation as
• Senior Vice Commander of Pro- a highway maintainer working Let’s have a great year in AMVETS
and I look forward to seeing many
grams
out of the Bloomington mainte• Senior Vice Commander of Mem- nance yard for the last 13 years. I of you in my travels. •
www.ilamvets.org
Illinois AMVETS
Contact Information
Headquarters Staff:
Executive Director:
Jim King
Membership Director:
Keith Wetherell
Programs Director:
Nicole Edwards
Public Relations Director:
Lynn Carter
Illinois AMVETS HQ
2200 South Sixth St.
Springfield, IL 62703
217.528.4713
Service Department:
National AMVETS Illinois Office
Located at the Chicago VA
Regional Office, 312.980.4256
Regional Director: Richard Miller
NSO: Jose Garcia
Accredited VSO:
Connie Deleonardis
Illinois Office Locations
Mike Ragusa
Deputy Service Director
309.235.5090
Danville VAMC
217.554.4838
Harold Dukala
Captain Lovell FHCC
847.688.1900 ext. 84138
Ed Humphrey
VAMC Marion
618.997.5311 ext. 54743
George Sebastian
Bob Michel Peoria CBOC
217.494.1454
Moline Vet Center
309.762.6954
Joel Valera
Hines VA Hospital
708.202.2564
Auburn Greshem Clinic
773.651.7459
Page 2
Membership Department
AMVETS:
I am Richard Van Natta, born
and raised in Avon, IL. In the
middle of my senior year, I
enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on
the delayed enlistment program. Two weeks after graduating school, I was off to basic
training. After basic training,
I became a materials handling
specialist at Cannon AFB, then at
Eielson AFB. I spent 4 ½ years in the U.S. Air Force.
After service, I used my G.I. bill to attend
college. I received an associate degree in business
administration from Carl Sandburg College, where
I was president of the Business Club, and listed in
Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges. I went to
Western Illinois College for 1 year, and then started
working as a service technician on feedlot equipment. I now have thirty years at McGrew Feedlot
Equipment Company.
After joining AMVETS in 2005 as an annual
member, I changed to a LIFE member. I have been
an officer in the Post since joining AMVETS, starting with an appointment as Provost Marshal. I have
been an officer in one capacity or another ever since,
including Commander for the last 2 years.
In 2010, I was elected to Jr. Vice Commander
for District III; 2011 elected to District Commander
District III; and in 2012 I was elected to Department
Provost Marshal.
I have three sisters and various nieces/nephews, along with my Mom, who are all supportive
of my efforts. I have various family members who
have served in the Armed Forces including my
Dad who served in the Korean War while his older
brother was a WWII vet. Dad’s younger brother
served during peacetime, while my nephew served
in the National Guard.
Yours in service,
Richard VanNatta
S/V of Membership
Programs Department
AMVETS:
My
name is Richard Shea Jr.
I am your newly elected 2nd
Vice Commander of Programs.
I am an Army brat born in Fort
Riley Kansas and raised on
Chicago’s south side. I enlisted in the Marine Corps in October ’93, going to boot camp
at MCRD San Diego and then
on to Combat Engineer School at Court House Bay
Camp Lejune.
While home on leave before going on to my
Duty Station at Camp Hanson Okinawa Japan, my
father brought me to the Amvets Post that I had enjoyed as a kid (with picnics, movies in the back hall
and other parties) and while there suggested I should
join so in April of ’94 I joined AMVETS. I received a
medical discharge at the end of ’94 for a knee injury.
After coming home at rehabbing my knee, I took and
passed a test and was hired by the Chicago Fire Department in ’98. Shortly after in 2000 I married Laurie A. Shea (the new Ladies Auxiliary President of
Illinois) after we had our two girls we moved back
near Post 43 and became active at the post starting as
a bartender and becoming Adjutant and the Post 43
Commander in 2010 and have been since.
For District 1 I have been Adjutant (2011),
Jr. Vice Commander (2012) and District Command-
Illinois AMVETS
er (2013). For the State level I have been R. O. T. C
Chairman since 2012. It is my goal as the 2nd Vice
Commander of Programs to show what Amvets
Posts throughout our state are doing and showcase
the attractiveness of AMVETS.
Yours in service,
Richard Shea, Jr
S/V of Membership
July 2014
2014-2015 AMVETS Department of Illinois Officers
Chris Studebaker
Commander
Richard VanNatta
S/V Membership
Richard Shea, Jr
S/V Programs
Terry Norgaard
Provost Marshal
William BucknerNEC
Cheryl Weglewski
Alt. NEC
Ben Flerlage
Judge Advocate
Raleigh Showens
Finance Officer
William LunaCommander 1&2
Robert Grieve
Commander 3, 4 & 5
Charles SedivecSad Sacks Saddest
Kevin Cook
Sons Commander
Upcoming
Events
Manteno AMVETS Post 107
9th Annual Golf Outing
August 15th
Location: Kankakee Elks
Country Club
2283 Bittersweet Drive
Saint Anne, IL
Contact: Ryan Carruthers
Phone: 773-306-5496
12:00 pm Shotgun Start
July 2014
AMVETS 70th National Convention
August 11-17, 2014
Memphis, TN
Memphis Cook Convention Center
Go to www.amvets.org to learn more
AMVETS Department of Illinois
School of Instruction
September 12-14, 2014
Location: President Abraham Lincoln
Hotel in Springfield, IL
Contact: Amvets Headquarters
Phone: 217-528-4713
Illinois AMVETS
AMVETS Department of Illinois
Februay SEC
February 27-March 1, 2015
Location: President Abraham Lincoln
Hotel in Springfield, IL
Contact: Amvets Headquarters
Phone: 217-528-4713
Please submit upcoming events to
Lynn Carter, lynn@ilamvets.org
Page 3
2014-2015
District Officers
District I
Commander:
Wayne Gryzbowski
S/V Membership:
William Luna
J/V Programs:
Jerry Thomas
Convention Highlights
Pictured Below: Pekin Community High School ROTC
led by Master Sergeant Joseph Fabisch Performing the
Presentation of Colors and POW/MIA Presentation at the
Commanders Banquet.
District II
Commander:
Jim Mosby
S/V Membership:
Don Wesner
S/V Programs:
Frank Klingl
Pictured Above: Convention
Chairman Mike Dawson and
Chaplain Johnson entering
the banquet.
District III
Commander:
Teresa Pickle
S/V Membership:
James Miller
J/V Programs:
Alice Towers
District IV
Commander:
Darrell Tucker
S/V Membership:
Ryan Carruthers
J/V Programs:
Jessie Owens
Pictured Above: Opening Ceremony
District V
Commander:
Brian Winfield
S/V Membership:
J/V Programs:
Pictured Above: PDC Kathy Rutledge
and PDC Cheryl Weglewski
Page 4
Illinois AMVETS
Pictured Above: POW/MIA toast at the banquet.
July 2014
2014 Service Foundation Scholarship Winners
Scholarship Winners
Not In Attendance
Service Foundation
Scholarships:
Hannah Varner
Service Foundation
Ethan Stumph
Service Foundation
Blake Binder
Service Foundation
Laura Christ
Service Foundation
Kathleen Patch
Service Foundation
Austin Lytle
Service Foundation
Josie Mitzlfelt
Trade School
Taylor Bohler
Service Foundation
Elizabeth Parker
Service Foundation
Hali Sawyer
Alexandra Davison
Samantha Mithcell
Graham Coonwell
LaShanda Harbin
Nancy Zamarron
Jimmy Mayberry
Michael Evertz
Esther Salazar
Jordan Sanders
Jule Ann Baffoe
Shareen Toubeh
Michael Enger
Tyler Blume
Service Foundation
Riders Present Scholarship
North Pekin AMVETS Riders Chapter 169
recently presented their annual scholarship
to Haley Coffey, a PCHS senior, on June 4,
2014. Shown in the photo from left are Bob
Dant, Chapter President, Bryan Coulter,
Chapter 1st Vice President, Denise Coffey,
recipient Haley Coffey, and Terry Perkinson, Chapter Finance Officer. AMVETS
Riders is a veterans’ motorcycle organization comprised of AMVETS, Ladies Auxiliary members, and Sons of AMVETS members. Their purpose is to serve the military,
veterans, and the community. For further
information about the AMVETS Riders,
please contact Bob Dant at 309-231-0118 or
Laura Magna
Service Foundation
July 2014
Illinois AMVETS
Page 5
Honors & Awards Winners
Honors & Awards
Americanism Award,
sponsored by PDC Bob &
PDP Debby Dant:
Post 202 in Elgin
AMVETS Membership Award,
sponsored by PNC Don
Russell:
Bob Stuebinger
Commander’s Award:
Phillip Carpenter Post 66
Clinton Post 14
Outstanding AMVET of the
Year:
Americanism: Elgin Post 202
Sponsored by PDC Bob Dant & PDP Debby Dant
Don Wesner
Outstanding Firm
Recognition:
District I: First Student
District II: Barrett Engineering
District IV: Walgreens
Commander’s Award & Post of the Year:
Phillip Carpenter Post 66
Outstanding Individual
Recognition Award:
Betty Beabout
Outstanding Firm District II: Barrett Engineering
Post of the Year:
Phillip Carpenter Post 66
Employee Membership:
1st Place George Sebastian
2nd Place Ed Humphrey
in
ds w ners!
ar
Page 6
Employee Membership 2nd Place:
Ed Humphrey
Post AMVET of the Year Winners
onors & aw
Congratu
l
•
ns to all t
o
i
h
t
eh
a
AMVETS Membership Award:
Robert Stuebinger, Post 103
Name
Elton Monson
David Bishop
Donald Stabe
James Gordon
Suzanna Casteel
Alvin Bower
Michael Davis
Jerry R. Thomas
Jack Feltmeyer
David M Ramirez
John Henson
Post
53
16
269
67
245
8
204
247
77
326
270
Illinois AMVETS
Name
Dennis Johnson
Ronnie Richards
John Duback
James R. Duncan
James Zingales
Fred McGowan
John Usrey
Delbert Seaton
Scott Moore
William Blomberg
Lee Guerrero
Richard Shae, Sr.
Post
34
14
30
100
202
66
145
277
256
32
35
43
July 2014
Wesner announced as Outstanding AMVET of the Year
Don Wesner from Post 202 in Elgin was selected
as the winner of the
Outstanding AMVET
of the Year Award.
His nominatio was so
well written we wanted to share with all
of ourreaders. Please
take a minute to learn
more about this valuable AMVET.
Congartulation Don!
Don Wesner
is a United States
Marine and served
in both Korea and
the Vietnam War.
He is the “Founding
Father” of Amvets
Post 202 Elgin Il. No
one is More deserving of this Award
than Don Wesner.
He has NEVER
asked for anything
for himself.
Over the years Don has always put the
welfare of Veterans and their families first. He
has great compassion for his comrades and
does everything in his power to give them the
best care as well as a great and decent quality
of life. If someone is in need, Don will make
sure whatever is needed is supplied. That may
be simply repairing a harmonica, cleaning the
gutters of leaves at
a residence, making sure a Veteran
gets to a health
related appointment, or supplying
a motorized wheel
chair. He is always
there to make sure
specific needs are
taken care of. Don
is compassionate
and determined to
make every life he
comes in contact
with better.
His list of accomplishments as an
Amvet is endless.
He visits Veterans
in assisted living
homes, finds their
interest and makes
it his. He does this
to enrich their life
and make it more
fulfilling for them.
We as a post, all officers and members
feel this is the time to recognize Don for his accomplishments and dedication to Veterans. We
want to have him honored now and not at a
later time when he is taken from us and we are
unable to express our love and admiration for
him. •
Swearing In Of New Officers
2014-2015 Department of Illinois
Appointed Officers
Americanism Chairman
Roger Baylock
AMVETS Riders Chairman
Bob Dant
Blood Donor Chairman
Harlow Pues
Chaplain
James Johnson
CVA Delegate
CVA Delegate
Jerry Thomas
Lawrence Green
CVA Alternate
CVA Alternate
Raleigh Showens
Bill Buckner
Commander’s Advisory Chairman
Community Service Chairman
Abundio
Zaragoza
Constitution & Bylaws Chairman
Convention Chairman
Ben Flerlage
Mike Dawson
Family Readiness Chairman Jimmy Duncan
Honors & Awards Chairman
Inspector General
Cheryl
Weglewski
Rudy Spaulding
Iraq/Afghanistan War Chairman
Brandon “Boomer” Nell
Korean Veterans Chairman
Legislative Director Don Wesner
Keith Wetherell
Persian Gulf Veterans Chairman
Personnel Committee
ROTC Chairman
Homer
Bizzle III
Bill Buckner
POW/MIA Chairman
Bob Stuebinger
Richard Shea, Jr.
Sons of AMVETS Chairman
Special Olympics Chairman
VAVS Chairman
2014-2015 Department of Illinois
Officers being sworn in during the
Convention.
Bill
Buckner
Veterans Day Representative
Vietnam Veterans Chairman
Dave Hicks
Charlie
Sedivec
Tony Alteri
John
Haines
Bob Dant
Women Veterans Affairs Chairman
Terri Hintz
WWII Veterans Chairman Bob Przybylinski
July 2014
Illinois AMVETS
Page 7
AMVETS Posts
Veterans Issues
Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses
The
Department of Veterans Affairs divides “Gulf War” exposure
illnesses into two categories Unexplained and Infectious. As is the
case with Agent Orange these conditions are presumed to be caused
by the mere exposure.
Gulf War Veterans’ Medically Unexplained Illnesses A prominent
condition affecting Gulf War Veterans is a cluster of medically unexplained chronic symptoms that
can include fatigue, headaches,
joint pain, indigestion, insomnia,
dizziness, respiratory disorders,
and memory problems. VA refers
to these illnesses as “chronic multisymptom illness” and “undiagnosed illnesses.” We prefer not to
use the term “Gulf War Syndrome”
when referring to medically unexplained symptoms reported by
Gulf War Veterans. Why? Because
symptoms vary widely.
VA presumes certain chronic, unexplained symptoms existing
for 6 months or more are related to
Gulf War service without regard
to cause. These “presumptive” illnesses must have appeared during
active duty in the Southwest Asia
theater of military operations or
by December 31, 2016, and be at
least 10 percent disabling. These
illnesses include: Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome, a condition of longterm and severe fatigue that is not
relieved by rest and is not directly
caused by other conditions. Fibromyalgia, a condition characterized
by widespread muscle pain. Other
symptoms may include insomnia,
morning stiffness, headache, and
memory problems. Functional gastrointestinal disorders, a group of
conditions marked by chronic or
recurrent symptoms related to any
part of the gastrointestinal tract.
Functional condition refers to an
abnormal function of an organ,
without a structural alteration in
the tissues. Examples include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),
functional dyspepsia, and functional abdominal pain syndrome.
Undiagnosed illnesses with symptoms that may include but are not
limited to: abnormal weight loss,
fatigue, cardiovascular disease,
muscle and joint pain, headache,
Page 8
menstrual disorders, neurological
and psychological problems, skin
conditions, respiratory disorders,
and sleep disturbances.
VA presumes the following infectious diseases are related to military service in the Southwest Asia
Theater of operations during the
first Gulf War starting August 2,
1990, through the conflict in Iraq
and on or after September 19, 2001,
in Afghanistan. Veterans must
have the diseases within the time
frames shown below and have a
current disability as a result of that
disease in order to receive disability compensation.
• Malaria An infectious disease
caused by a parasite transmitted by mosquitoes. Symptoms include chills, fever, and
sweats. It must be at least 10
percent disabling within one
year from the date of military
separation or at a time when
standard or accepted treatises
indicate that the incubation period began during a qualifying
period of military service.
• Brucellosis A bacterial disease
with symptoms such as profuse
sweating and joint and muscle
pain. The illness may be chronic and persist for years. It must
be at least 10 percent disabling
within one year from the date
of military separation.
• Campylobacter Jejuni A disease with symptoms such as
abdominal pain, diarrhea, and
fever. It must be at least 10 percent disabling within one year
from the date of military separation.
• Coxiella Burnetii (Q Fever) A
bacterial disease with symptoms such as fever, severe
headache, and gastrointestinal
problems such as nausea and
diarrhea. In chronic cases, the
illness may cause inflammation of the heart. It must be at
least 10 percent disabling within one year of the date of military separation.
• Mycobacterium
Tuberculosis An illness that primarily
affects the lungs and causes
symptoms such as chest pain,
persistent cough (sometimes
District I
Post 7, 13, 17, 18, 34, 37, 243, 247 &
326 -Chicago; Post 5-Skokie; Post
43- Burnham; Post 66-Wheeling; Post
97-Oak Park; Post 99- Brookfield;
Post 192- Bridgeview; Post 268-Glenwood; Post 277- Streamwood; Post
326 - Chicago
District II
Post 26-Depue; Post 32- Freeport;
Post 35-Waukegan; Post 90-Dekalb;
Post 91-Hampshire; Post 103- Aurora; Post 123-Dixon; Post 145-East
Moline; Post 180 - Princeton; Post
202- Elgin; Post 245- Cary Grove;
Post 269-Woodstock; Post 503 - St.
Charles
bloody), weight loss and fever.
• Nontyphoid Salmonella A
condition characterized by
symptoms such as nausea,
vomiting, and diarrhea. It must
be at least 10 percent disabling
within one year of the date of
military separation.
• Shigella A condition characterized by symptoms such as
fever, nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea. It must be at least 10
percent disabling within one
year of the date of military separation.
• Visceral Leishmaniasis A
parasitic disease characterized
by symptoms such as fever,
weight loss, enlargement of the
spleen and liver, and anemia.
The condition may be fatal if
left untreated.
• West Nile Virus A disease
spread by mosquitoes characterized by symptoms such as
fever, headache, muscle pain
or weakness, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms may range
from mild to severe. It must
be at least 10 percent disabling
within one year from the date
of military separation.
Illinois AMVETS
District III
Post 8-Knoxville; Post 16 - Litchfield; Post 29 - Taylorville; Post 44
- Pana; Post 55-Mount Olive; Post
61- Chatham; Post 64- Peoria; Post
76- Ursa; Post 77- Chillicothe; Post
94-Springfield; Post 100-Jacksonville;
Post 104-Quincy; Post 169-North
Pekin; Post 179-Greenview; Post
235- Pekin; Post 256-Springfield; Post
257-Springfield
District IV
Post 3- Champaign; Post 14-Clinton;
Post 30-Ottawa; Post 41-Marshall;
Post 52-Fisher; Post 53 - Morris; Post
67- Beecher; Post 75 - Danville; Post
84 - Crete; Post 107-Manteno; Post
113-Bradley; Post 115 - Pontiac; Post
120-Streator; Post 270-Bloomington;
Post 276 - Elliott; Post 278-Colfax;
Post 312-Streator
District V
Post 4-Mt. Vernon; Post 11 - Cairo;
Post 31 - Marion; Post 33 - Palestine;
Post 40 - Effingham; Post 51-Granite City; Post 101-Centralia; Post
132-Metropolis; Post 140-Greenville;
Post 148-Waltonville; Post 149 - West
Frankfprt; Post 156 - Waterloo; Post
161-Belleville; Post 204-Madison;
Post 267-Jerseyville
Yours in AMVETS,
George Sebastian
Veterans Service Officer
July 2014
Welcome Home Heroes Home
Financing Program
The
Welcome Home Heroes financing package is offered by
the Illinois Housing Development Authority to help veterans
and service members purchase a
home.
The Welcome Home Heroes program is a comprehensive
homebuyer financing package
that’s safe and affordable. Illinois
veterans, active military personnel, reservists and Illinois National Guard members can receive:
• a $10,000 forgivable loan over
two years for down payment
and closing cost assistance
• a 30-year fixed rate mortgage
that has an affordable interest
rate
• an optional mortgage credit
certificate to reduce federal
income tax liability.
Who qualifies for the Welcome Home Heroes financing
package?
• Veterans (who need not be
first-time homebuyers)
• Active military personnel, reservists and Illinois National
Guard members (must be
first-time homebuyers)
• Buyers must qualify based on
income and purchase price
limits. For example, income
for a family of four in the
Chicago area cannot exceed
$104,720 for a home with a
maximum purchase price of
$373,670.
Buyers interested in the
program must apply for the loan
through one of IHDA’s participating lenders. Go to http://www.
ihda.org →Homebuyer→Find a
Lender to review the list online.
Call (877) 456-2656 if you experience problems with locating a
participating lender near you.
The program is funded
through $5 million in Illinois Jobs
Now! capital program funds, and
$5 million from the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund,
which is collected from 50 percent
of the Illinois real estate transfer
tax. •
Memorial Day Tribute to
“Those Left Behind/Those Behind the
Lines”
Darrel Tucker (Pictured Above), AMVETS Post 14 Finance Officer and
District 4 Senior- Vice Commander, was the featured speaker at the
City of Clinton’s May 26th Memorial Day Ceremonies. In the speech,
he honored not only the Veterans but also “Those Left Behind/Those
Behind the Lines.” Using the wars in the 20th and 21st centuries, he
emphasized how important the family, neighbors, doctors, nurses, instructors and other auxiliary personnel are in supporting our Veterans,
both on the Home Front and Abroad. He spoke about how prayer
and belief in God helps bring many of those serving our country home
safely. He also stressed the importance of everyone being responsible
in the support of our country – like the wives, mothers and girlfriends
of WWII who manufactured much of the armaments for the war. Following the program, many in the audience appreciated his tribute to
those faithful family members, loved ones and neighbors who supported our servicemen and women and continue to support our troops
today. He was told that his appreciative tribute was the best Memorial
Day speech that many had ever heard. •
Contributed by Darrel Tucker, District IV Commander
The Joliff family in Forsyth was the recipients of a 3.78% home loan
in May through the Welcome Home Heroes Home Loan Program.
Picture Left to Right: Dept. Commander Kerby (Post 235), Ladies
Auxiliary Dept. Sgt. at Arms Mary Kerby (Post 3), Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs Director Erica Borggren, Forsyth Mayor
Marilyn Johnson, Gov. Quinn, The Jolliff Family, the realtor who
worked with the family, Marilyn from the Decatur VA and Mary
Kenny from the Illinois Dept. of Housing (HUD).
July 2014
Illinois AMVETS
Page 9
AMVETS Department of Illinois Ladies Auxiliary
Shae elected Department President
2014-2015 Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship Winners
Hello,
For
those who don’t know me
my name is Laurie Shea. I grew
up in a southern suburb of Chicago named Dolton. Following
high school graduation I decided
to take time off of school for a
few years and during this time I
met my husband Richard Shea Jr.
We married in January of 2000.
We have two daughters at home,
Ashley Ann and Dana Marie.
In 2002 I decided to go
back to school to pursue my bachelor’s degree. I graduated from
Calumet College of St. Joseph in
Whiting Indiana with a bachelor’s
degree in 2007. That same year
Post 43 in Burnham, Illinois decided to start the Ladies Auxiliary
and I decided to join in honor of
my grandfather who served in the
Army and fought in WWII. Our
charter was signed and I became
the 1st Vice president for my local
auxiliary.
Throughout these past
seven years I have been very active at my local and have held a
few different offices including the
1st Vice position, 2nd Vice and
currently I hold the Scholarship
Chairperson office. I started to
get involved even further into the
organization around June 2011
when I was asked if I would hold
the office of Scholarship Chairperson at the State level. I was
honored to be asked and accepted
to position. Since then I have held
the offices of 2nd Vice and 1st
Vice President.
This year I am proud to announce that I am the Department
President for the State of Illinois.
I am looking forward to this year
Right: Rachael Nevismal
Below: Alexis Syring
and working with all of the Auxiliaries. As Department President
my project this year is The Smith
Residences for Homeless Women Veterans. I hope to help these
women get back on their feet by
working with the Smith Residences any way I can. I will also
do my best to keep the Auxiliary
a success and to help our veterans
in any way I can with the help of
all of you.
Ladies Auxiliary
Yours In AMVETS Ladies
Auxiliary Service,
Laurie Shae
AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary
Department President
2013-2014
Prayers from the Chaplain
Dear Lord,
Help us to go forth with love
and friendship toward each
other. May we comfort ourselves with thy blessings daily.
Yours in Auxiliary Service,
Loretta Malecki
Chaplain
Auxiliary Scholarship Winner Not In Attendance:
Charnae Caldwell
Page 10
Illinois AMVETS
July 2014
Auxiliary of the Year Presented by Debby Dant
2014-2015
Ladies Auxiliary
Officers
President
Laurie Shea
Ladies Auxiliary Post of the Year #204 from Madison. All member in attendance are pictured accepting the award.
43
1st Vice President /
Membership
Laina Sanders
67
2nd Vice President /
Child Welfare
Janet VanDeusen
204
3rd Vice President /
Community Service
Mary Kerby
Chaplain
Loretta Malecki
235
34
Sgt-At-Arms
Rose Caffrey
Treasurer
Debra Dant
204
169
Americanism
PDP Norma Studebaker 115
PRO/Historian
MaryCay Manning 43
Parliamentarian
Shirlie Holmes 33
Scholarship
Dixie Kalips
204
Honors and Awards
PDP Claudia Kelly
204
Hospital
PDP Martha Bean
115
Ways and Means
Joyce Srebalus
Quartermaster
Linda Showens
NEC/Liaison
PDP Pam Lukemire
Upcoming Auxiliary Events
Christmas In July
Date: July 19, 2014
Location: Post 169 in
North Pekin
Cookout & Acitivities
Get your upcoming events and fundraisers in the
newsaper and online. Email them to Lynn Carter,
lynn@ilamvets.org
Proceeds will go to towards The
Smith Residences for Homeless
Women Veterans
Learn more about the
AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary
www.ilamvets.org/mem_suborgs_ladies.cfm or
www.amvetsaux.org
Sons of AMVETS New Squadron
43
169
3
The Sons of Amvets is proudly announcing a new Squadron to the state of Illinois. On April
11th 2014 the Sons of Amvets State Commander Kevin Cook and 1st Vice Commander
Mike Lungren installed new members to the Sons of Amvets at the Palestine Post #33. Congratulations to the new Sons of Amvets members of Post #33 Palestine.
July 2014
Illinois AMVETS
Page 11
How You Can Help Us
Donation Drop Off Locations
Generous donations of gently
used clothing and household
items are main source of funding for AMVETS programs
and veteran services.
In the Chicago-area you can
drop off your tax deductible
donation at one of the donation sites listed at the right or
call 708-388-7800 to schedule a
pick up at you home.
City
Bridegview
Bridgeview
Darien
Des Plaines
North Joliet
Lombard
Minooka
West Naperville
Plainfield
Tinley Park
Retail Partner
Kmart Lot
Walmart
Walmart P
Kmart West
Walmart
Kmart lot
Ace Hardware
Walmart
Walmart
Burlington Coat Factory
Address
7325 W. 79th St.
10260 S. Harlem Ave.
1 blk. west of 75th & Fairview
Oakton/Lee Rd.
1401 Illinois Rte. 59 (Theodore & Rte 59)
345 W. Roosevelt Rd.
855 S. Ridge Rd.
776 S. Rte. 59
127th St. & Rte. 59
159th St. (Just east of Harlem Ave.)
Attendant Hours
M-Sa. 8-5, Su 9-5
10-4 Daily
M-Sa. 8-5, Su 9-5
M-Sa. 8-5, Su 9-5
M-Sa. 8-5, Su 9-5
M-Sa. 8-5, Su 9-5
10-4 Daily
M-Sa. 8-5, Su 9-5
10-4 Daily
M-Sa. 8-5, Su 9-5
Wheeling
AMVETS Post 66
700 Mc. Henry Rd. - Drop box only
No Attendant
If you would like to support AMVETS mission but live outside the Chicago area or do not have items to
donate please making a one time or monthly monetary donation.
100% of your tax deductible donation will go towards veterans projects and service!
Got to www.ilamvets.org and click on DONATE
How to Join Us
To join an AMVETS local post or become a member at large, fill out the application below, enclose a
check for dues and mail to the Departmen of Illinois. The member application can be completed and
dues paid on line at www.ilamvets.org.
Lifetime membership: $250 Annual membership: $30
[Membership Application]
Mail to: AMVETS Department of Illinois
2200 South Sixth Street, Springfield, Illinois 62703
www.ilamvets.org
AMVETS
Join
Today!
Date: Membership: 0Annual 0Life
Would you like more info about Riders? 0Yes
/
/
Sex: 0Male
0No
Name: Date of Birth:
Street: City: Phone Number: E-mail: Branch of Service: Month/Year Entered: 0Female
State & Zip: Month/Year Discharged: I verify that I am serving, or have served, honorably in the US Armed Forces (Active, Guard or Reserves) after September 15, 1940. DD-214 is required.
Your Signature: Sponsor/Post Officer: