Illinois VFW News - June 2018

Vol 55 No 4 Always On Call June 2018
Illinois takes two top
honors in National
Publications Contest
The Veterans of Foreign
Wars of the U.S. has announced
the winners of the
2018 National Publications
Contest.
The Illinois VFW News
and the Taylorville Post
4495 Quarterly Newsletter
took top honors in their
respective categories in the
National VFW Publications
Contest.
The Illinois VFW News
was named the top Department
Publication Small Frequency
Publication, while
Post 4495’s Quarterly newsletter
was named the top
publication in the Post/District
Small Frequency Publication.
Both are published 4
or less times per year.
Illinois VFW News Editor
Barb Wilson and Post
4495 Newsletter Editor Tony
Durbin will receive their National
Awards at the State
Convention.
Two non-VFW-affiliated
journalism professionals
served as judges for the
competition.
Postmaster: Send address changes to
V.F.W. Circulation Department, 406 West 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111.
A ‘Last Salute’ for Homeless Vets
An Illinois VFW member arranges proper military
funerals as one aspect in his quest to serve the homeless
By Kari Williams
Associate Editor,
VFW Magazine
Jack Picciolo has been working
for nearly a decade to help
homeless veterans receive proper
burials. That work, along with
other projects in his Illinois
community, earned the Vietnam
veteran the Illinois Veterans’
Patriotic Volunteer and Appreciation
Award.
For Picciolo, the recognition
meant more because of who it
came from.
“It was from veterans — from
groups that I work with, peers,
veterans groups, not just a general
award from the city or the
state,” said Picciolo, who was
drafted in 1964 and spent the last
eight months of his two years of
service in Vietnam as a specialist
4 with the 2nd Bn., 17th FA.
Every veteran, according to
Picciolo, deserves to be buried
with military honors.
“We have a national cemetery
right in our backyard,” said Pic-
By Barbara Wilson
Editor, Illinois VFW News
A Marine veteran and member
of the Pierce McDonald Post
1422, Bushnell, Ill. was awarded
a rare medal for noncombat
bravery on May 5, 2018 for disarming
a disgruntled employee
in a workplace shooting which
Homeless Salute VFW
Jack Picciolo, a member of VFW Post 5788 in Lockport, Ill., has helped
homeless veterans receive proper burials, with military honors, at Abraham
Lincoln National Cemetery near Joliet, Ill., for almost a decade. His efforts
and dedicated involvement in the Illinois veteran community earned Picciolo
the Illinois Veterans’ Patriotic Volunteer and Appreciation Award.
ciolo, a member of VFW Post act as family and get these guys
5788 in Lockport, Ill., about their military honors?”
30 miles southwest of Chicago. Picciolo said the Abraham
“Why couldn’t we arrange to Lincoln National Cemetery in
Department of Illinois, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
PO Box 13206, Springfield, Illinois 62791-3206
1-217-529-6688 • Fax 1-217-529-5347 • Email: vfwil@vfwil.org
Illinois VFW News Editor: Barbara Wilson • Email: bwilson@vfwil.org
Elwood, Ill., roughly
15 miles south
of Lockport, had a
policy of quarterly
burials.
“I was basically
the only person
there,” Picciolo said.
“There was just no
participation by any
groups anywhere. I
decided right then
I’d start advertising
[and] working with
the memorial squad.”
The cemetery instituted
its all-volunteer
memorial squad
in 2003 to help with
military honors.
“When requested,
a detail consisting
of at least two uniformed
military persons,
with at least one
being a member of
the veteran’s branch of service
See Piccioli on Page 7
Marine vet awarded rare medal for noncombat
bravery for disarming workplace shooter in 1989
took place in 1989.
Michael Hainline was awarded
the Navy and Marine Corps
Medal, the nation’s highest
award for noncombat bravery
for risking his own life to disarm
a co-worker who had just shot
and killed two employees at a
plastic manufacturing plan in
Macomb, Ill.
Hainline is quick to point
out the events of September 19,
1989 wasn’t a “one man ordeal”.
“I had civilian coworkers step
up and put themselves in harm’s
way,” Hainline said. “They
didn’t have to do that. I did - I
was a Marine.”
Hainline was on terminal
leave from the Corps, working
out of a hometown plant when
“a guy walked past us, holding a
revolver with a six-inch barrel.”
Hainline brushed off the first
loud bangs he heard, thinking it
was machinery or pallets hitting
the ground.
But in reality an employee
named Fred Hopkins had just
gunned down another coworker,
Pamela Buce.
Unaware the young woman
had been shot and killed,
Hainline witnessed Hopkins
moving quickly toward the front
office. Hopkins raised his .357
Colt revolver and shot at another
co-work, Jim Cobb, according
to Hainline.
Hopkins missed Cobb and
had hit a filing cabinet behind
Cobb.
The gravity of the situation
had not yet registered with Hainline,
who initially thought it was
a “sick joke”, he said.
Hopkins pulled the trigger
again, but this time Cobb fell
to the ground. The shooter then
Michael Hainline (right) with Marine Col. Thomas Savage following the Navy and Marine
Corps Medal presentation ceremony at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Washington, D.C. See Hainline on Page 6
Official Publication of the Department of Illinois, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

Page 2 Illinois VFW News June 2018
State
Commander
Jeffrey Hastings
My fellow members of the
greatest veterans organization
in the world, where No One
Does More for Veterans and we
State Senior Vice
Commander
Donald Boyer
Thank you to all our members
for giving me the honor
and privilege to serve this past
year as your State Senior Vice
Commander.
I would like to thank Commander
Jeff Hastings for his
ILLINOIS VFW NEWS
USPS 008-251
Official Publication of the
Department of Illinois
Volume #55 Issue #4
The Illinois VFW News is
published four times per year
(September, December, March and
June) by the Department of Illinois,
Veterans of Foreign Wars
of the United States, 3300
Constitution Dr., PO Box 13206,
Springfield, IL 62791. Periodical
Postage paid at Springfield, IL and
additional office: Greenville, WI.
Postmaster: Send address
changes to V.F.W. Circulation
Department, 406 West 34th Street,
Kansas City, MO 64111.
SUBSCRIPTION RATE:
$1.00 of the annual membership dues
paid by each member to a Post of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States. Department of Illinois,
is for a year’s subscription to the
Illinois VFW News. Subscription
rates for non-members is $2.00
per year, $5.00 three years.
NEWS COPY & PHOTOS:
Send to Illinois VFW News, PO Box
13206, Springfield, Illinois 62791 or
email to bwilson@vfwil.org.
Deadline is the 1st of the month
before above listed publishing
months.
NEWSPAPER COMMITTEE:
W. Dave Stout, Chairman;
Jeff Hastings; Michael DeRoss;
Dale Roach, Assistant Editor;
Tom Bailey, Troy Leonberger
Editor: Barbara Wilson
Printer: Berlin Journal Newspapers,
Berlin, WI 54923
are “Always on Call” for our
Veterans, as we bring this fiscal
year to a close I would like to
thank you all for allowing me to
serve as your State Commander.
We have really made a difference
this past 12 months in the
lives of so many veterans and
their family’s, we have made
many changes in the way we do
business at the department and
district levels.
I hope that it has given all our
members the realization that the
department and district leaders
are here to help you all at the
post levels.
It is the beginning of a new
era, where the state and district
officers are not here to condemn
leadership this past year. It has
been a great experience to serve
with State Commander Hastings
and his “Always on Call” team.
Congratulations to all of our
Posts and Districts that accomplished
their goals over the past
year and for the awards that will
be presented at this convention.
I would like to acknowledge
the important work the staff at
our State Headquarters does
each and every day. Also, State
Service Officer Derek Giffin and
his team work equally as hard,
on a daily basis, for our veterans.
Both offices are dedicated
to the Veterans of Foreign Wars
State Junior Vice
Commander
Bradley Gould
First, let me say it has been
my pleasure to serve as your Junior
Vice Commander this year
and I have enjoyed being a part
of State Commander Jeff Hasting’s
“Always On Call” team.
In just a few short weeks,
delegates from across Illinois
will converge onto Springfield
for our 97th State Convention.
During those few days, we will
celebrate the many successes
of the past year and chart the
course for the next.
It is a great chance for newly
elected Post Commanders and
Quartermasters to meet with the
elected officers that will lead our
organization over the next year.
It is a chance for us to discuss
the possible changes needed to
improve our great organization.
It was my pleasure to travel
this state, north, south, east, and
west to meet veterans throughout
the state. It was fantastic opportunity
to share ideas, discuss
problems, and meet the veterans
that work hard for the Veterans
of Foreign Wars.
A special thank you to the
outstanding headquarters staff
nor reprimand but to help rebuild
and maintain our VFW
Post and membership.
We have accomplished many
things through our legislative
process to include the announcement
in April that $685 million
in funding from Congress to
fund several state Veterans
Home projects to include new
construction projects in Illinois.
We are the strength and voice
for our current and future veterans,
I thank each and everyone
one of you for what you
do for this great organization.
May God bless you and may
God bless the United States of
America.
and the veterans of the state of
Illinois.
Best wishes to our newly
elected and appointed officers
for the 2018-2019 year. I truly
hope that all the goals that each
of you set for yourselves are
accomplished this year!
I appreciate all the courtesy
and hospitality I received during
my travels this past year,
and I know our Posts and Districts
will continue to be just as
hospitable to me in the future.
I look forward to my upcoming
travels and I know we can
expect another great VFW year
from all of you.
for dedication and loyalty. They
pride themselves on doing an
outstanding job they can and in
serving each one of you.
A special thanks to our Veterans
Service Office Derek Giffin
and his talented team. They
work very hard and long hours
to ensure veterans a represented
to the very best of their ability.
With their efforts, we have been
able to provide aid and assistance
to those we have pledged.
When we gather for our State
Convention, celebrate and have
fun, but then let’s get ready to
support our State Commanderelect
Don Boyer.
100 Percent Posts
as of May 11, 2018
Alsip Memorial Post 450-16
Horace F. Ortt Post 540-6
Henry Post 555-9
Sgt. Charles A. Fricke Post 805-14
Stage Depot Post 976-12
John L. Meyer Post 1104-12
Fisher Weeks Post 1299-12
Liberty Memorial Post 1304-6
St. Juvin Post 1336-18
Bond County Memorial Post 1377-12
John Hugo Kaiser Post 1461-6
Paul McVey Post 1592-17
Chief Pontiac Post 1699-14
Theodore Hoffman Post 1769-17
Canton Post 1984-8
Major Charles L. Hunt Post 2024-3
Milton Hill Post 2029-7
DuPage Memorial Post 2164-19
William E. Sarb Post 2202-2
Ronald Hill Memorial Post 2245-5
Tri-City Evergreen Post 2298-5
Lakeland Memorial Post 2486-5
Midlothian Memorial Post 2580-16
Viola Post 2623-8
Randolph County Post 2698-14
Moweaqua Memorial Post 2705-11
Villa Park Post 2801-19
Kankakee Post 2857-7
Wood River Post 2859-12
2017-2018 All-State Team of
Post Commanders and Quartermasters
Post Commander Quartermaster
District 3
Post 2024 Samuel Scaife Jr. Clinton Hall
Post 5220 William Johnson Joseph Stachon
District 4
Post 2202 Marco Dabetic Joseph Wein
Post 2992 Michael Lake William McNutt
District 5
Post 2245 Layton Pennington Carl Sorensen
Post 2998 Daniel Pearson Leonard Hansen
Post 2486 Thomas Waltenburg Kenneth Samborski
Post 4600 Robert Lungren Raymond Rigsby
Post 7448 David Stewart Harry Wagner
District 6
Post 540 Michael Kuba Melissa Spangler
Post 1461 Gregory Kelm Rick Frank
Post 5149 John Guler James Newbury
Post 5418 Randy Bellows Cheryl Miller
District 8
Post 1984 Gary Bouc Harold Rose
District 13
Post 9153 Jason Presswood Benjamin Newborn
District 14
Post 805 Edward Martinez William Kuehn
Post 1699 Smiley Orr Fred Woods
Post 2698 Kenneth Hall Gary Stork
Post 3553 Richard Harrington Larry McDonough
Post 4183 Earl Scott Ariana Taylor
District 16
Post 450 Richard Leschman Robert Welch
Post 2580 Richard Krulac H. George Doeden
Post 4241 Donald Snedden Dennis Siebelt
Post 8283 Roger Pfeifer James Kraus
Post 9801 Terrence McDonald James Borys
District 17
Post 1769 Niles Conkling Gary Buehnerkemper
Post 4549 Dan Swaner Floyd Cravens
District 19
Post 2164 Leo Penkala Knute Ostrem
Post 2801 Frederick Schwerdtner Thomas Forbes
Note: Any Post attaining All-State Post Status on or before June
15, 2018 will be listed in the September 2018 issue of the
Illinois VFW News.
Joshua W. Harris Brookfield Memorial
Post 2868-4
Walter Jones Post 2876-17
Des Plaines Post 2992-4
Charles E. Leach Post 3287-11
Capt. Horace G. Burke Post 3480-14
Goldsmith-Terry Post 3523-14
Kaskaskia Post 3553-14
Indian Portage Post 3592-3
Piercy-Ward Post 3666-9
Sgt. C.W. Clement Post 3637-17
Judd Kendall Post 3873-19
Scott Post 4183-14
Paxton Post 4214-7
Olney Memorial Post 4226-13
Owen W. Winter, Jr. Post 4241-16
Jersey County Post 4528-12
Wayne County Memorial Post
4535-13
Crawford County Post 4549-17
Cumberland County Post 4598-17
Fox River Post 4600-5
Cox Post 4753-15
Lanark/Mt. Carroll Post 4857-6
Buddy Egnew Post 4826-7
Ross Pearson Post 5149-6
Johnson-Phelps Post 5220-3
Jerry Celletti Post 5418-6
Marseilles Memorial Post 5506-9
Casey Post 5762-17
Vernon Morris II & Philip E. Overturf
Post 5764-15
Mount Olive Post 5790-12
Bolingbrook Post 5917-18
Morton Post 5921-9
Moultrie County Post 6410-11
Panama Post 6628-12
Menard County Post 6871-10
Sturms & Schmitt Post 7176-8
Sons of America Post 7191-5
Winthrop Harbor Memorial Post
7448-5
Harvey A. Pulliam Post 7537-17
Mascoutah Post 7682-14
Barrington Memorial Post 7706-5
Auburn Memorial Post 8157-10
Steger Honor 11 Post 8283-16
Armed Forces Post 8322-3
Putnam County Memorial Post
8324-9
Ybarra-Gomez Post 8890-8
Pulaski County Memorial Post
8891-15
Waltonville Memorial Post 9153-13
Lusk Memorial Post 9227-15
Elk Grove Village Post 9284-4
Markham Memorial Post 9801-16
Bourbonnais Post 9961-7
T.K. Martin Memorial Post 10009-17
Mt. Sterling Post 10399-10
South Beloit Post 11019-6
Lake Zurich Post 11020-5
Johnsburg Post 11496-5

June 2018 Illinois VFW News Page 3
Candidates for State Office
The election and installation of officers will
be held Saturday, June 16, 2018 during the
afternoon business session. Below are the
announced candidates as of May 1, 2018.
Elect
Don Boyer
State Commander
Matthew Carbonelli was recently awarded the VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship.”
The funds will help him finish his doctorate in Counseling Psychology at the University
of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
National Guard Combat Medic earns Counseling
Psychology Degree to help fellow Veterans
Matthew Carbonelli, 30,
of Lake in the Hills, Ill., was
recently awarded the VFW’s
“Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship.”
The funds will help him
finish his doctorate in Counseling
Psychology at the University
of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
“I’ve seen friends in the
military struggling with mental
health problems, and I also
work part-time at a shelter that
serves the homeless population
in Milwaukee. I’ve interacted
with several veterans there,” he
said. “This is one of the reasons
I want to spend my career combating
the mental health crisis in
the military.”
Carbonelli served six years
as a Combat Medic in the National
Guard, and deployed to
active duty in Afghanistan.
He related, “I wanted to do
my duty to serve my country,
and follow in my grandfather’s
footsteps.”
Carbonelli is an active member
of the VFW and the Student
Veterans of America chapter at
the University of Wisconsin-
Milwaukee. He developed a
training workshop on suicide
prevention and awareness for
student veterans at his campus.
He also traveled to Washington,
D.C., in March to participate
in the VFW’s National
Legislative Conference.
“I feel that one of the best
ways the VFW supports veterans
is through lobbying,” he
“
I’ve seen friends in the military
struggling ... This is one of the reasons I
want to spend my career combating the
mental health crisis in the military
“
said. “I want to use my expertise
as a psychologist to continue to
advocate for my fellow veterans
throughout my career.”
“I was surprised to see how
many resources and benefits are
available to veterans to further
their education,” Carbonelli
concluded. “The help is out
there – you just need to seek
out and take advantage of those
resources.”
Carbonelli is an Illinois Member
at Large of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars.
-Matthew Carbonelli
Dr. Peter Pullara receives the Patriotic Citizen Award from St. Juvin Post 1336 Commander Charlie Brown.
From left to right Broadway Family Dental Center staff members Kate and Amber, Chaplain Ron Hibler, Commander
Charlie Brown, Dr. Peter Pullara, Jr. Vice Commander James “Hoppy” Phillips, Quartermaster Jim
Richards and Dental Assistant Amber. Post Public Information Officer Bill Bomba photo.
Broadway Family Dental Center
recognized with Patriotic Citizen Award
Broadway Family Dental Center
owner Dr. Peter Pullara was
honored by St. Juvin Post 1336
VFW with the VFW Patriotic Citizen
Award which is “Given in
grateful appreciation for unsolicited
inspirational patriotic service
to the community through the daily
display of our National Flag.”
Dr. Pullara recently rebuilt the
parking area at his 595 N. Broadway
S Coal City office and also
added a new lighted flag pole
where the U.S. Flag is displayed
every day.
St. Juvin Post members presented
Dr. Pullara with the Veterans
of Foreign Wars certificate and a
POW/MIA flag to fly along with
the U.S. flag for his patriotism.
Elect
Brad Gould
State Sr. Vice Commander
Elect
Laurie Emmer
State Jr. Vice Commander
Re-Elect
Michael DeRoss
State Quartermaster
Re-Elect
Rev. Donald Meeks
State Chaplain
Re-Elect
C. Victor Smith
State Judge Advocate
Elect
Nina Petru
State Surgeon
Elect
Larry Shaver
State Surgeon
Illinois VFW News Deadlines
September 2018 - August 10, 2018
December 2018 - November 10, 2018
March 2019 issue - February 10, 2019
June 2019 issue - May 1, 2019
Items not received by deadline could be held for a later issue
Email items to:
Barb Wilson, Editor - bwilson@vfwil.org
or send items to:
Barb Wilson, Editor
Illinois VFW Headquarters
PO Box 13206 • Springfield, IL 62791-3206

Page 4 Illinois VFW News June 2018
Smart, Reape to represent National Organizations at
Illinois VFW, Auxiliary Conventions June 14-17, 2018
John Smart,
Past Commander-in-Chief
Past Commander in
Chief John Smart and
National Auxiliary Guard
Jane Reape will represent
their respective organizations
at the Illinois VFW
and Auxiliary Conventions
in Springfield, Ill.
June 14-17, 2018.
Smart of Woodbridge,
Virginia, was elected VFW
Commander-in-Chief at
the organization’s 100th
national convention in
Kansas City, Mo., August
20, 1999.
Smart served in the
United States Army from
October 1970 to April
1973.
In Vietnam, he was
assigned to the 176th Assault
Helicopter Company;
23rd Infantry Division
(Americal Division)
at Chu Lai. His service in
Vietnam was recognized
with a Republic of Vietnam
Campaign Medal, a
Vietnam Service Medal
with four stars and a Presidential
and Unit Citation.
While serving in Vietnam,
he joined VFW Post
2181 in Exeter, N.H. Following
his return from
military service in 1973,
he moved quickly through
the chairs and earned recognition
as an All-American
Department Commander
during the 1981-
82 year.
Smart, a retired Nashua
firefighter of 21 years
service, served as Department
of New Hampshire
Adjutant/Quartermaster
for 14 years. Presently, he
is a Life Member of VFW
Post 1503 in Dale City, Va.
In addition to his VFW
membership, he belongs
to the Military Order of
the Cootie, Americal Association,
Vietnam Veterans
of America, Retired
Firefighters Association
and the Association of
the U.S. Army. He has
served as chairman of
the Board of Managers
of the New Hampshire
Veterans Home for 15
Jane Reape,
National Auxiliary Guard
years, and has served as a
state representative from
Congressional District
28, Nashua, NH. Smart
recently retired from the
Department of Veterans
Affairs.
He and his wife, Mary,
have two children, John
Jr., and Cheryl, and six
grandchildren and one
great grandson. They
make their home in Clayton,
N.C.
Jane Reape, of Carthage,
N.Y., was elected
National Guard of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars
(VFW) of the United
States Auxiliary at its
104th National Convention
in New Orleans, La.,
on July 26, 2017.
She is now in the first
of five offices leading to
the National Presidency,
which she is expected to
hold in 2022-2023.
A Life Member of Dionne-Rumble
Auxiliary
7227, she has served the
organization in many capacities
including Auxiliary,
District and Department
(state) President.
On the National level
she has served as National
Director for the Scholarships
program, Eastern
Conference Chairman for
the Americanism/Patriotic
Instructor and Youth
Activities programs and
as National District Council
Member representing
New York.
She joined on the eligibility
of her late husband,
James, who served
in the U.S. Air Force from
1961-1983.
In her spare time she
enjoys traveling, she visited
all 50 states, most Canadian
Provinces, Europe,
the Mediterranean and the
British Isles.
She loves to read, quilting,
knitting, crocheting,
cross-stitching and cross
country skiing.
Jane’s family includes
three children and three
grandchildren.
Chuck Botts (left) and Daniel Flanagan
Botts Celebrates 91st Birthday
Past All American Commander Daniel Flanagan was on
hand to help celebrate Charles “Chuck” Botts’ 91st birthday
at the VFW Post 4079 in Mendota.
Botts was born in Hammond, Indiana on Sept. 24, 1926.
He attended Earlville High School before he joined the Navy
in June, 1944. He had two older brothers already serving. He
completed basic training at Great Lakes.
He was assigned to the USS Franklin CV13 as a 20 mm
gunner. He was aboard when she was hit by two 500 pound
bombs and was forced to abandon ship. Halfway down, a
line wrapped around his leg, forcing him to cut himself free
and fall about 40 ft. He then spent several hours in the sea
waiting to be rescued. Botts was then sent to Hawaii and assigned
to the USS Calvert APA32 making two trips bringing
troops home. He was discharged April 28, 1946 and returned
to the Earlville area and worked at a factory for a while before
he went to work on a farm east of Earlville, that he later
purchased and still owns.
Botts married the former Marilyn Gast on Jan. 10, 1948
and they had three children, two daughters and one son who
served in the U.S. Army. Botts attended farm school for four
years on the GI Bill and later received his GED and attended
IVCC to become an industrial electrician.
Botts is a past commander of the Earlville American Legion
Post 549 and also past commander of the Mendota Post
4079. He is the uncle of Past District 9 Commander and State
Hospital VAVS Director Harold Olsen.
World War II veteran’s journal chronicles duty in Pacific
Editor’s Note: Peter Stanley’s
father, Walter Stanislawski fought
in World War II in the Pacific theater
(Australia, New Caledonia,etc). He
was a college graduate majoring in
journalism.
For the year or so he was there,
he kept a daily journal in his breast
pocket.
Peter has that diary. Stained and
colored pages but still readable.
Peter converted each page to a
word document. He has graciously
shared the diary with the Illinois
VFW. This is Part 3 (and final installment)
of the Diary.
Thank you Peter for sharing your
father’s diary.
June 17 and Jun 21, 1942
ate steak. Returned early to
letters over C.Q. & received message
signed Peterb: order heavy
weapons to return to base camp.
Everybody got excited but it doesn’t
sound like an alert …………….
Short letter #25 to ?????? (and finish
it Thurs. mention in it?????????
June 21 1942 Sun
…….. WATER DAMAGE
June 21 and Jun 25, 1942
chased into Pional by ??. We
march in movie to ??? which I saw
a coupla years ago. 600 ??? storm
the town so practically everything
fine. Wrote #26 to Winnie.
June 25 1942 (Thurs)
……….WATER DAMAGE
Jun 28-1942 (SUN)
Missed out on fights, band, &
canteen grand opening Fri by taking
Colonels staff car to Noumea to pick
up Mrs Cassel & return. She’s half
lit by drinking with Chief of Staff.
have close call. Snack at Bann
Hotel and buy Johnny Walker from
her for $2.00
Wrote #27 yesterday & warned
by Brves to watch my steaming off
as he returns my Melbourne pass
which I was sending to Winnie for
souvenir. Almost feel I should try to
get Watt to censor my stuff.
Write mother-in-law.
The British are gonna defend
Egypt now. Ye gods-aren’t they
ever gonna push ahead. It’s just that
much more territory to regain by us.
I hope it won’t be at a terrible cost.
Jul 3 1942
Today we read that Alexandria
is fast
Jul 4 and Jul 7, 1942
that enemy reconnaissance
planes over island, that they’ve
landed at Dambon and to watch
for possible agent landings here. so
George & Watt decide on an alert
& I so notify troops. Gilbert issues
all ammo. shortage & everyone excited.
I write a short letter to Winnie
(#28) and answering to Lananga &
Neijard. Don’t think anything will
come from that-although everyone
seems excited. Get another radio
on more information please.
Jul 7 1942 (Tues)
Sun. nite another alert: 2 aircraft
carriers and 13 warships headed
this way from lower Solomon Islands.
Most excitement yet: everyone
gets full amt. ammo. 25000
combat troops on this island versus
perhaps 100000 of warship convoy
transports Gen Patch says
Jul 7 1942 (Tues)
short visit yesterday as I proudly
show him T.O. Lt. Scherer censored
letters to Laneya & Hazard which
Bower refused to do. (Island mail
which had all military details). Alert
still on as squadron holds practice
demonstration for expected Patch,
Richardson visit.
Jul 10 Fri
Generals visit o.k. “go” for our
review & Richardson puts T.O. in
briefcase for Wash. approval (we
hope & pray). Certainly worked
hard on the damn things charts &
mimeograph. Thurs. wrote brief
note to Win (#29-about not think
waiting too long a time. Pictures
Monday so must write cheerful like
immediately. Went to 52nd
evac. saw unexpected Father.
Thurs. nite saw Bill of Divorcement
same place
We’re gonna move North, all
Jul 10 Fri
the way-perhaps to wait arrival of
Jul 10 Fri
the way-perhaps to wait arrival of
Cavatry from Toyas (Harry already
here) Had boxing bout ?????????
& first movie here “You Can’t Cheat
an Honest Man” while officers have
party with nurses
July 13-1942 Mon
Sat there was a drive for the 52
miles over come (?) where occurred
a stabbing & fight. Sean Payne & I
hiked 16 mi to Caiste village were
native gave me a woven rug which
I am sending to Win with letter on
the little things I miss. #30 was a
long natural letter apologizing for
#29. ????????Changed mind about
sending blanket & ??
July 17-1942 (Fri)
??????????
July 17-1942 (Fri)
was a celebration in November
but we had “40 members”-Eddie
Cantor & “Strutting” instead. Wed
morn made very bad showing in
front of board, couldn’t answer
????????????. Most of us figure
applicants were selected before
they appeared at physical was
my blood pressure 172 then 82.
Get spares one truck gets broken.
am left in charge of 12 for
other……………WATER STAINED
July 17-1942 (Fri)
letter. Also write blue letter to
folks.
July 21-Tues.
Last Fri. Capt Riggs asked what I
was doing in Army when I told him of
154 blood pressure. So Sat. morn.
just for a lark I took off doe 52 hosp.
& here I am with suspected heart
disease! Don’t think its serious but
I am having rest cure with graphs,
etc. Ericksen came down yesterday
for a brief visit & this morn. sent
down wifes picture.
July 22-Wed
8 of the fels were discharged
yesterday but we get 12 new yellow
jaundis patients. Was kinda
hungry last nite Wrote #33 to Win
yesterday scarcely mentioning my
hospital stay. Capt Watt & O’Neill
visit me in afternoon & am quite
honored. Show is “Flying Irishman”
July 27-Mon
getting out shortly. Palmer
reminds me how beautiful my wife
is & I proceed to get homesick as
hell & pine for more letters. Right
arm has gone down to 142-left 126
Which proves my nerves were on
edge-that’s all, But discrepancy
still exits between two arms. A
freak, eh?
July 29-1942 Wed
Mon. nite Ericksen & O’Conner
come down with news O’Neill Betters
Callbean Stiff Gibbons going
to officers school. Oh well I really
didn’t expect to go-got several form
letters from boys to sent one off
#35 to Winnie letting her enjoy self.
Dropped Watt a note on expected
return. Boy am I getting tire of laying
around in this “hotel.” Russian
news all bad-?? almost giving up.
Movie was “Mexican Spitfire” which
I saw years ago-probable reason for
wet dream. First in long time.
July 31-1942 Fri
Some of convalescing patients
drunk again last nite: I short stay
with oil worker Sears. Write long
letter #36 to Win, as Faintain come
in with carton of Raleigh
July 31-1942 Fri
which Winnie sent me. This plus
2 cartons just seemed makes for
plenty of smokes. Quite a heated
discussion on merits of McArthur’s
as get here. exactly why should he
be treated so? Public is certainly
gullible & easily swayed.
˃Restov taken. If Allie’s don’t
start offensive we’ll be Heiling Hitler
soon. And Japs have run over New
Guiana with 2500 soldiers! Otherwise:
S.W. Pacific is quiet?
Aug 3-42-Mon.
Erickson & Butters visit Sat.
Sun’s was “Devil & Miss Jones”
which I enjoyed. I’m walking to Eneola
now & started dental work. I’m
not so sure I want to return to Peeps
since rumor sez won’t be accepted.
O’Christ I don’t want to go back
to L. please come to my routine for
probably Winnie won’t understand.
other rumor: no more parcel post,
supply ship with mail sunk 3 on off
Noumea. Rain heavy
Wrote to in-laws on “check” form

June 2018 Illinois VFW News Page 5
The VFW 12th District donated a check for $500 to Max and
Jo Sussenbach. Their house was a total loss in a fire on Sunday
April 29, 2018. Max is Post Commander at Bond County VFW
Post 1377 in Greenville. Presenting the check is Past State
Commander Russell Rieke.
VFW Post 2153 Commander Richard Head, along with Department of Illinois Operation
Uplink Director and District 8 Military Services Chairman P.J. Hymes presented the Moline,
Ill. Sport Clips with an Appreciation Plaque for the work the store does on behalf of the Help
A Hero Scholarship program. This store provided approximately $4,000 to the Help A Hero
Scholarship program in the last year. This allowed Sport Clips to meet and exceed their goal of
raising $1 million in funds. Sport Clips was able to donate $1.25 million to the National VFW
Program on Dec. 11. Also pictured from Sport Clips are Lisa Mickelson, Holly Murphy and
Samantha Waldron.
St. Juvin Post 1336 receives
award from Defense Department
St. Juvin Post 1336 Veterans of Foreign Wars has received an
award from the Department of Defense’s 50th Commemoration of
the Vietnam War.
St. Juvin has hosted six formal events where Vietnam Vets, those
who served on active duty during the period of Nov. 1, 1955 to
May 15, 1975, regardless of location, were honored.
The Post also participates in the Deceased Vietnam Veteran’s
Surviving Spouse program where the surviving spouse at the time
of death of a veteran who served between Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15,
1975 can be presented with a lapel pin and a personalized certificate.
Please join Post members at the community Memorial Day observance
Monday May 28, 2018 at the Coal City Intermediate School
305 W. Division St. Coal City. Ceremonies will start at 11 AM.
St. Juvin Post will have various gift items provided by the Department
of Defense including Vietnam Veteran’s pins and Surviving
Spouse awards available in the school cafeteria at the conclusion
of the event there is no cost for any or the materials.
(L-R) Glenda Watson, Morrie Buffo, Ed Suchoski, Mayor Tom McNamara, John Rossato,
Tom Cleland, Steve Preston, Bill Graves, Ross Stenberg, Mark Miller.
Rossato honored by Rockford Hogs
World War II veteran John
Rossato was recognized with
“Hometown Hero” honors during
pregame ceremonies by the
Rockford Ice Hogs at the BMO
Harris Bank Center, Rockford
on Feb. 9, 2018.
Rossato enlisted in the U.S.
Navy in 1944, returning to Great
Lakes Naval Station in 1946
where he was discharged to the
active Naval Reserves.
He was recalled to duty at
the start of the Korean War for
duty at the Greenco Springs, Fla.
Naval Base where he recommissioned
World War II ships for
redeployment to Korea. In 1953,
he received his Naval Discharge
as a Seaman First Class.
John recently served three
consecutive years as Commander
of Roscoe Post 2955 and
celebrated his 90th birthday this
past October.
Rossato was accompanied
by Officers of VFW District
6, Roscoe Post 2955 Color
Guard, and Rockford Mayor
Tom McNamara.
On the ice- WWII Veteran John Rossato (foreground rear)
with the Roscoe Color Guard, during the National Anthem.

Page 6 Illinois VFW News June 2018
Hainline
Continued from Page 1
stood over his injured co-worker
and shot him in the head, Hainline
said.
As Hopkins tried to reload,
Hainline and other employees,
including a former Navy seabee,
tackled the shooter.
“It was a dog pile into the
office,” Hainline recalled. “We
tackled the shooter and wrestled
the weapon away from Hopkins.
I handed it off to Kevin Miller
who ran off with the gun. Hopkins
just went limp and we got
him into a chair. The next thing
we know, he pulled a knife and
took off.”
The corporal had provided
first aid to the mortally wounded
Cobb, but his injuries were far
too severe.
“I was a basic infantry guy
and had basic first aid skills,”
Hainline explained. “I would
have done anything for a Navy
corpsman that day.”
“Your military training just
takes over,” Hainline said. “My
civilian co-workers stayed with
me, offering moral support and
basically kept me calm as I did
what I could do for Jim.”
The hardest part of the ordeal
Hainline said is the fact he knew
the Cobb family. The family had
two sons, Steve, who had died
earlier in a motorcycle accident,
and Jim.
“And I couldn’t save him,”
Hainline said, his voice cracking.
“It affected me for a lot of
years. I couldn’t talk about it for
a lot of years.”
Hainline wrestled for years
with survivor’s guilt - that he
might had been able to do more,
until a chance meeting with
the Emergency Room doctor
who was on call the day of the
shooting.
“I was deer hunting and met
the doctor, who during a conversation,
told me there wasn’t
anything more that I could have
done,” he said. “I could finally
let it go.”
Since Hainline was on terminal
leave from the Marine
Corps, he contacted his unit to
report the incident as instructed.
“Before I left on terminal
leave my First Sergeant told me
not to have any encounter with
Law Enforcement because I still
belonged to the Corps,” he said.
“I had taken military leave from
that job to serve in the Marines
and this happened my fourth day
back on the job.”
“I reported the incident to
First Sergeant Davis,” he said.
“My first thought was I have to
report the encounter with Law
Enforcement.”
Under different circumstances,
Hainline would have been
honored for his actions within
a reasonable amount of time.
However, it took nearly 29 years
for Hainline to be awarded the
medal.
The delayed valor was due
in part to the chaos of his unit’s
return from a tragic overseas
deployment during a training
incident in South Korea, Hainline
believes.
Assigned to 1st Battalion,
5th Marine Regiment, before
punching out on terminal leave
in August 1989, Hainline’s unit
had just wrapped up a deployment
to Okinawa, Japan, and
Korea.
But during the training mission
in Korea, a CH-53 Sea
Stallion carrying 37 Marines
crashed on March 20, 1989,
killing 22, according to a report
from Associated Press.
Roughly 15 Marines were
injured and transported to the
amphibious assault ship Belleau
Wood, AP reported.
“When we came back it was
a very somber experience because
we didn’t bring everybody
back,” Hainline said. “Morale
was really down.”
Hainline had contacted his
first sergeant within a day of
the shooting incident. The first
sergeant had praised him for his
actions and said he would pass
the information onto the command,
but nothing came of it.
“I didn’t think what I did was
as important as my unit working
through the loss of these
Marines,” he said. “The mission
was to get the surviving Marines
Michael Hainline in 1988 at Mountain Warfare training with
1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment.
healthy and take care of the
families of those we lost. I didn’t
pursue it at the time because we
had Marines to take care of.”
It was years later, when Hainline
began reconnecting with
former Marines friends on social
media, it was brought to his attention
that his actions might
merit the Navy and Marine
Corps Medal.
“It was during a conversation
with my old Company
Commander and he got the ball
rolling,” he said. “It took more
than three years to get the award
approved. I had to get witness
statements and police reports.”
“I had asked the Marine
Corps when the announcement
was made I would receive it if it
is unusual for the Navy and Marine
Corps Medal to be awarded
after this long of time,” Hainline
said. “I was told no - we’re still
honoring veterans from years
past.”
Hainline received the award
at a ceremony presided over by
Marine Col. Thomas Savage and
held at the Marine Corps War
Memorial in Arlington, Virginia,
on May 5. Hainline’s former
commanding officer awarded
the medal.
2019 Illinois VFW Raffle Calendars
available at State Convention
2019 Calendar Raffle Rules
• Calendars will be available at a cost of
$20.00 per calendar. Calendars will be available
at the VFW State Convention, and following
State Convention, available at the Illinois
VFW State Headquarters Office.
• The winning Calendar Raffle number
will correspond with the Illinois Lottery Pick
Four - Midday numbers as chosen by the Illinois
Lottery.
• Prize money not exceeding $599 will be
forwarded to the purchaser of said calendar
within 10 business days of the drawing. Purchaser’s
name and contact information will
be maintained in a spreadsheet format for the
purpose of determining daily raffle winner.
• For prizes exceeding $599, the appropriate
tax form will be mailed to winner and must be
returned to State Headquarters prior to receiving
prize money.
• Exactly 10,000 calendars will be printed,
numbered 0000 to 9999.
• Prize money for any calendar determined
to be a winning calendar, unsold, will not be
awarded.
• Winning numbers and names will be
posted on the Illinois VFW Website - www.
vfwil.org. You need not be present to win.
Proceeds benefit the Illinois Veterans of
Foreign Wars Veterans Service Programs supporting
Illinois veterans.
State of Illinois
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Calendar Raffle
All proceeds will be used for VFW Programs
2019 Calendar
“No One Does more For Veterans”
See inside back cover for all rules
and more information.
$20.00
A complete list of all winners will be
posted on the website:
www.vfwil.org
PRIZE DISTRIBUTION
$1,000: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day,
Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Hannukah, and Christmas
Day
$500: Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Labor Day
$25: All other Weekdays
No XXXX
Name __________________________________ Date Purchased ______
Address ______________________________ City __________________
State ______ Zip ________ Phone ____________________
No XXXX
$250: VFW Anniversary, VFW Auxiliary Anniversary, Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Columbus Day
$100: Valentine’s Day, Halloween
$50: All other Sundays

June 2018 Illinois VFW News Page 7
Vienna VFW celebrates 75 years of service to community
By Barb Wilson
Editor, Illinois VFW News
For seventy-five years,
Beggs-Gurley VFW Post 5222
in Vienna has been a beacon
for veterans in the Vienna
community.
On Saturday, February 24,
2018, the Post and its members
were honored for seven and a
half decades of service to the
Johnson County community and
its veterans.
Past District 15 Commander
Richard Brumley gave a brief
overview of the Post’s history
during the celebration.
Beggs-Gurley Post is named
after two Johnson County men
who made the ultimate sacrifice
in service to their country.
Harold Eugene Beggs and Jesse
Herbert Gurley were both Killed
in Action aboard the USS Arizona
on Dec. 7, 1941.
The Post was originally chartered
in 1946, but consolidated
a few years ago with the VFW
Post in Metropolis, which actually
gives Post 5222 an earlier
charter date. During a consolidation
of Posts, the Post assumes
the earlier charter date
of the Posts included in the
consolidation.
During the Post’s early history,
members met at various
locations around town until they
decided to build – at which time
they secured the current location
and constructed a building
– reportedly all for $1,200.00.
The Post recently added to its
real estate, securing property
across the street from its current
location.
Over the years, according to
Brumley, the Post has hosted
several bands and well-known
singers and has produced four
District 15 Commanders.
However, it’s the VFW programs
which makes the Post an
asset in the Vienna community.
“We continue to support veterans
and our local community,”
Brumley said. “We continue to
work our VFW programs which
benefit both our veterans and our
community, as well as provide
honor guards for veterans funerals
and other functions.” The
Post was also instrumental in the
construction of the new memorial
honoring Johnson County
veterans which was dedicated
in 2017.
“There is a lot the VFW does,
that we don’t take or get credit
for,” Brumley said.
Past State Commander Philip
Maughan was on hand to honor
the post during its Diamond
Jubilee celebration.
“This is a wonderful example
of what a VFW can be in a community,”
Maughan said. “This
shows the power the VFW can
have at the Post level.”
Maughan congratulated the
Elk Grove Village Post 9284 in pre-construction
phase of installing an elevator in post home
In our posts founding years
having young and very energetic
members it was decided
that we should have Post Home
of our own.
To maximize the amount
of space in the building it was
decided to build a two story
structure.
At no point could anyone
fathom they would at some
time in their lives would they
have any trouble getting up or
down that “beautiful staircase”.
Well as time moved on
as well as their ages some
members, wives, and guests
are having issues with that
“beautiful staircase”.
One Friday a village citi-
zen thought she would bring a
wounded warrior to our Friday
night Fish fry. Arriving at our
front door she realized that she
would be unable to get him and
his chair down and back up that
“beautiful staircase”.
She came into the club and
several members came to her aid
and brought the warrior in and
helped take him out.
Later that night she was
thinking about the older vets
that assisted her and thought
that someday they too may not
be able to get up or down that
“beautiful staircase”.
The next week she approached
our village Mayor
and told him about our dilemma.
Remembering Desert Storm
Desert Storm veteran Scott Buennemeyer spoke about the sacrifices made by armed forces on the
27th anniversary of the end of combat in the conflict. He shared these comments Feb. 28 at the Middle
East Conflicts Wall in Marseilles. Military honors were rendered by the Marseilles Honor Guard.
Each of the Beggs-Gurley Post 5222 50-year members were presented with a 50-year member
pin and patch, and ball cap.
His response was “We will
just have to get our vets an
elevator”.
The Mayor went to the local
car dealer and asked if he
would help by providing a car
for a donation to assist in a
fund raiser , not only did the
dealership come across with a
car they came up with a new
Corvette that he could raffle.
The Mayor also sent letters
to all the businesses in the Village
and asked for their help,
the response was fantastic.
We are now in the pre-construction
phase and as soon as
the weather clears we will start
construction of our “beautiful
elevator”.
members of both the Post and its
Auxiliary who made the VFW
what it is today.
“For a reason, veterans in
this community decided Vienna
needed a VFW,” Maughan said
during his remarks. “As World
War I ended, the government did
not do anything to take care of
its veterans. The early leaders
in the VFW decided ‘if we send
people to war, the country needs
to be prepared to take care of
them who have suffered as part
of their service to this country’.
“Whatever the motivation
was 75 years ago to start a
VFW here, this Post remains a
beacon to pull people together,”
Maughan said. “What a vision
Piccioli
Continued from Page 1
provide folding and presentation
of the U.S. flag and can also play
‘Taps,’ either by a high-quality
recording or a bugler,” according
to the National Cemetery
Administration.
In his efforts, Picciolo aimed
to involve VFW and American
Legion Posts. Patriot Guard riders
now are participating as well.
In 2007, Picciolo said, he
began working with the Chicago
Homeless Sandwich Run after
hearing about it from Illinois
VFW Homeless Chairman Paul
Bezazian at the state convention.
The run was started by Marine
Corps veteran Jim Proffitt in
1989. A few years ago, Picciolo
brought that effort to his own
county.
“It was very eye-opening,”
Picciolo said. “We had a truck
and sandwiches and food and
everything … Maybe four or
five out of 10 [homeless that
we spoke to] could be a vet.
Then we started finding out the
problems they had.”
Their concerns included lack
of employment and medical
problems.
So Picciolo and others started
connecting veterans with the
VA. Picciolo also said most of
the veterans “just wanted someone
to talk to.”
Even though he was “just
they had – and the members
throughout the 75 year history
have continued to make this post
a beacon in the community to
help veterans. This is a tribute
to all of you.
“This celebration offers an
opportunity to recommit ourselves
to the same values as
those founding members to continue
the same level of service
to the Vienna community and its
veterans.”
Post Commander Clarence
Caraker, who also serves as District
15 Commander, presented
pins and hats to its 50-year
members. Six of the 23 50-year
members were on hand for the
celebration.
a draftee for two years,” Picciolo
said being there for other
veterans to talk to “really opens
them up.”
One veteran Picciolo and
Proffitt assisted in the Chicago
area was Harold Lewis, a resident
at a men’s hotel.
When Lewis died, Proffitt
was contacted about providing
Lewis a proper burial at Abraham
Lincoln National Cemetery.
“We’ve buried probably
some 80 more homeless vets
since then,” Picciolo said.
Those efforts have been the
most impactful for Picciolo.
“[It’s nice] to provide a veteran
with a last salute and some
kind of going off … It really
helps me to work on something
like that, to make it possible and
do as many as we can,” Picciolo
said.
Picciolo also served as Post
5788 commander from 2013 to
2015 and has been a member of
the Will County (Ill.) Veterans
Affairs Commission for three
years.
This article is featured in
the April 2018 issue of VFW
magazine, and was written by
Kari Williams, associate editor,
VFW magazine. Photo courtesy
of Jack Picciolo.
Editor’s Note: This article
was reprinted with permission.

Page 8 Illinois VFW News June 2018
World War II Veteran recognized
Morris resident Paul E. (Gene) Pope had just graduated from Lockport High
School in 1944 when at age 18 he was drafted into the Army, trained in Alabama
and shipped to Europe to serve with the 7 th Armored Division nicknamed the
Lucky Seventh. In July of 1945, following the defeat of Germany, Gene was
scheduled to be trained for the invasion of Japan. Fortunately for Gene and
millions of other servicemen and women Japan surrendered. Gene returned
to Lockport and civilian life in 1946.
Gene receives his service logo personalized blanket throw from St. Juvin
Post Public Relations Officer Bill Bomba. Since the beginning of the “Blankets
for Vets” program in 2012 St. Juvin Post 1336 VFW in Coal City has provided
over 380 of these symbols of the veteran’s service to a grateful nation. Post
1336 photo.
Don’t Miss this last chance to enter the
Illinois VFW Convention and Purple Heart Raffle Drawings!
Winning Tickets to be drawn Saturday, June 16, 2018
Mail tickets to:
Illinois VFW Headquarters, PO Box 13206, Springfield, IL 62791-3206
2018 Illinois Convention Raffle
Grand Prize $10,000
Second Prize $3,000
Third $2,000 • Fourth to Tenth $500
DRAWING AT VFW STATE CONVENTION ON JUNE 16, 2018
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS
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No Purchase Necessary License No. 01003842
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Grand Prize $10,000
Second Prize $3,000
Third $2,000 • Fourth to Tenth $500
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No Purchase Necessary License No. 01003842
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Grand Prize $10,000
Second Prize $3,000
Third $2,000 • Fourth to Tenth $500
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No Purchase Necessary License No. 01003842
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Grand Prize $10,000
Second Prize $3,000
Third $2,000 • Fourth to Tenth $500
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No Purchase Necessary License No. 01003842
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Grand Prize $10,000
Second Prize $3,000
Third $2,000 • Fourth to Tenth $500
DRAWING AT VFW STATE CONVENTION ON JUNE 16, 2018
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS
NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00
No Purchase Necessary License No. 01003842
2018 Illinois Purple Heart Raffle
Proceeds go towards veterans assistance programs in Illinois
Grand Prize $2,000
DRAWING AT VFW STATE CONVENTION ON JUNE 16, 2018
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS
NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN
Ticket Cost: $5.00 each
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Bloomingdale Post 7539 supports troops
serving overseas with Christmas packages
VFW Post 7539 Bloomingdale, Ill. recently packed 125 Christmas Packages
for the troops. In addition to the Christmas packages, the Post sends 125 gift
packages to the troops serving abroad every month. Pictured above are Post
members Bill Wolff, Larry Rogers, Ed Aubin, Brand Leischner, Don Petges,
Randy Winter, and Wes Nebel.
Post 1308 creates courage medal
for children facing medical illnesses
In times of stress or crisis,
nothing is more uplifting
than the courage that
children display when faced
with adversity through a
medical illness.
In order to capture
this strength and properly
hhonor these children,
Wayne Able and William
Perkins of Alton Post 1308,
Alton, created the Courage
Inspiration Determination
(CID) Medal.
The VFW has supported
CID unit operations across
a number of hospitals in the
area, starting with Cardinal
Glennon Hospital in May
2015 and including the Shriners
Hospital for Children
in September 2015.
The VFW aims to recognize
the sacrifices that
veterans and their loved
ones have made in times of
conflict - the CID medal is
a natural extension of that
goal.
According to Able, the
goal of the CID unit is to
“help each child win their
war, as each war veteran
has done.”
Perkins adds, “While
their brothers and sisters
are getting trophies, they’ll
have a medal that’s the same
size and same dimensions
as the men and women in
uniform.”
The idea for the medal
was inspired by the touching
story of young Cody
Green and his family. Cody
was diagnosed with leukemia
at a very early age.
Cody loved the Marines
and wanted to be one himself
when he became of
age - when Sgt. Mark Dolfini
caught wind of this,
he made every attempt to
visit Cody in the hospital.
When he was not permitted
to enter due to medical
Hayden Brown assists Batman in finding the
Joker. Photo by Senior Airman Megan Friedl.
complications, Sgt. Dolfini up with multiple VFW Posts
stood outside the hospital as well as the Army Corps
doors for eight hours and of Engineers and Scott Air
named Cody an honorary Force Base in Illinois.
Marine himself. On the anniversary
of Cody’s death, a boy suffering from Meta-
Recently Hayden Brown,
Dolfini joined the CID unit chromatic Leukodystrophy,
to prepare a special gift for was made a pilot for a day.
the Green family in Indiana. More than 30 volunteers
Working directly with from Scott AFB helped
hospitals can be difficult for build a scenario for Hayden
the CID unit due to multiple where he helped Batman apprehend
the nefarious Joker,
protections for both the patient
and the nurses present. complete with Intel briefing
Because of this, the primary and mock training.
outlet for the CID unit in “Our team got him a
helping children is through flight suit, name tag, hat and
medical support groups captain bars for his assignment,
so he would truly be
for terminal illnesses, such
as the Spina Bifida of St. one of us for the day,” said
Louis support group and the Maj. Geoffrey Ashby, 458th
Muscular Dystophy support Airlift Squadron assistant
group in Fredericktown, operations officer.
Mo. These support groups Everywhere the CID unit
have worked closely with has travelled for the children,
they have always been
the CID unit to reach more
children than before. In one able to find help, and they
month alone, 75 kids with show no signs of slowing
muscular dystrophy were down in their efforts.
able to receive medals in Able and Perkins hope
a ceremony in conjunction the CID unit’s ideas will
with the Farmington, Mo. continue to spread.
VFW.
“It’s all about the kids,”
The CID unit has teamed Able said.

June 2018 Illinois VFW News Page 9
VFW Member certified as Illinois Military Judge
The Illinois Judges association
is proud to announce
that Third Judicial
Circuit Associate Judge
Sarah D. Smith recently
returned from three weeks
at the Judge Advocate General’s
Legal Center and
School.
She was certified as
a military judge by the
Judge Advocate General
of the United States Army
and is the Illinois National
Guard’s first Military
Judge under the Illinois
Code of Military Justice.
Smith was selected to
attend the training by Maj.
Gen. Richard Hayes, Adjutant
General of the Illinois
National Guard.
Smith is an active veterans’
rights advocate in her
local community. She is a
member of the National
Guard Association, the National
Guard Association
of Illinois and the American
Legion. In addition,
she serves as the Senior
Vice Commander of VFW
Post 5691 in Collinsville.
Judge Smith serves as
an Associate Judge in the
State of Illinois judicial
system. She presides in the
Family Division in Madison
County. As a member
of the Third Judicial Circuit
Pro Bono Committee,
she chairs the veterans’
subcommittee that provides
legal services to local
veterans. Additional, Smith
is a member of the Standing
Committee on Military
Affairs for the Illinois State
Bar Association. She is
a member of the Illinois
Judges Association and has
been nominated to serve on
its Board of Directors for a
three-year term.
“Judge Sarah Smith is
a credit to the legal system
and the judiciary and the
Illinois Judges Association
is proud to announce
her certification as the first
Illinois National Guard
Military Judge,” noted IJA
President Israel Desierto.
A military judge presides
over courts-martial
of members of the Illinois
Army National Guard
who are charged with offenses
under the Illinois
Code of Military Justice,
which parallels the Uniform
Code of Military
Justice. Military judges
provide service members
with judicial independence
and impartiality. Certain
types of courts-martial
can only be adjudicated
by a military judge that is
separate from the military
command structure and
therefore cannot be influenced
in their decisions.
Smith’s military service
did not begin in a courtroom.
She enlisted in the
military fresh out of high
school as a light-vehicle/
power generator mechanic.
She used the GI Bill to
pay for her undergraduate
degree and law school.
After successful completion
of the bar exam she
was commissioned as an
officer in the Illinois Army
National Guard and currently
has over 22 years of
service in the United States
Army. Smith is a Lieutenant
Colonel in the Illinois
Army National Guard.
Smith does have significant
experience as a
prosecutor and defense
counsel during her time
as a military attorney. She
was certified as a Special
Victim’s investigator and
has successfully prosecuted
dozens of sexual assault
and other complex cases.
She was later appointed as
Senior Defense Counsel.
Prior to her appointment
as Military Judge, Smith
served as Command Judge
Advocate for two Brigades
over six years and most
recently served as Deputy
Staff Judge Advocate of
the Illinois Army National
Guard where she advised
general officers and other
senior level commanders
on all military matters.
Smith was mobilized
for the first time in 2005 in
support of Hurricane Katrina.
Her overseas service
includes service as Chief of
Operational and Administrative
Law for the 35th Infantry
Division in Kosovo
and as Deputy Staff Judge
Advocate for the 33rd Infantry
Brigade Combat
Team in Afghanistan in
support of Operation Enduring
Freedom. Because
of her vast military legal
experience, Smith has
spoken at numerous key
senior level engagements
Rochelle Post donates to Marching Band Veterans Day D.C. trip
Third Judicial Circuit Associate Judge and member
of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Sarah D. Smith.
to include the Warsaw
Ministry of Defense Legal
Symposium, Warsaw
Poland in 2011 and 2016,
and at the United Nations
Peace Symposium, New
York, New York in 2011.
Judge Smith has earned
multiple service awards,
including the Bronze Star
Medal, Meritorious Service
Medal with one oak
leaf cluster, the Kosovo
Campaign Medal, the Afghanistan
Campaign Medal
with two campaign stars,
and the Joint Meritorious
Unit Award among others.
By Lori Hammelman
Rochelle News-Leader
It’s an honor reserved
for the Rochelle Township
High School Marching
Band, chosen to represent
the state of Illinois at the
Veteran’s Day Weekend
ceremonies in Washington,
D.C., and members of
the VFW District 6 wanted
to show their support.
During the district
meeting held at the Rochelle
VFW Post 3878,
Commander Bill Bumgarner
presented Ron Duval
RTHS Band Director/
Music Dept. Chair with a
$2,000 donation to help
offset the costs of the trip.
Duval said it came as a
surprise.
“I am very excited to
receive this donation from
the VFW,” Duval began.
“I am hopeful that this
will be the continuation
of more organizations
and businesses to jump on
board!”
The band has a unique
opportunity to participate
in the “2018 Parade of
Heroes — A Monumental
Salute to the Veterans,”
which will honor those
who served during the
three pivotal periods in the
history of the U.S.: World
War II, Korean War, and
Vietnam War. This year
also marks the 75th Anniversary
of WWII.
Duval said to date the
donations and corporate
sponsorships have reached
Rochelle VFW Post 3878 Commander Bill
Bumgarner presents Rochelle Township High School
Marching Band Director Ron Duval with a $2,000
donation to help offset costs of a band trip to Washington,
D.C.
about $8,000 toward the
trip, although the band is
still seeking funds to help
further offset the cost estimated
at about $840 per
student.
Bourbonnais VFW provided 11 food baskets
for needy veterans and their families through the
Kankakee County Veterans Assistance Commission
in December. This marks the 15th year post
9961 has undertaken this project. Pictured Post
Commander Anderson, Quartermaster Tom Nelson
and Michael Roof, Superintendent of the Kankakee
County VAC office.
Thompsonville Junior High School students visit veterans at Marion VA Hospital, Anna Veterans Home
Harry H. Kinman Post 2671, Benton, Ill. sponsored a visit for students from
Thompsonville, Ill. Junior High School to the Marion VA Hospital and the Illinois
Veterans Home in Anna in December. Students passed out Christmas cards,
socks and Christmas cheer to the veterans. While visiting with the veterans,
students listened to music and were in awe by the many different stories of the
veterans they met.

VFW Auxiliary
Auxiliary President
If you’re old enough to remember
Carol Burnette, she
ended every show with the words,
“Seems we just got started, then
before you know it, comes the time
we have to say so long.” That’s
kind of how I’m feeling right
now. A Department President
starts the year by giving a great
deal of thought as to what can
be done to make their Department
stronger and better. For
me, it was promoting peace and
harmony among our members,
teaching others what we do, and
growing membership. A year is
not enough time to accomplish
all of that, so I hope these ideals
stay around long into the future.
Maybe we are not quite there yet,
but I do think we have made great
strides in that direction. That’s a
good start!
Mary Spindler
I can’t really say goodbye,
because I’m not going anywhere.
I intend to keep working for
this organization until I can no
longer do so. But it will be a
different life, not jumping in my
car every weekend and traveling
for hundreds of miles, seeing so
many people, and enjoying all the
events. It has been an honor and
privilege to serve as your Department
President, and a beautiful
experience. I will take so many
cherished memories with me, and
I want to thank everyone for all
the kindness and generosity that
has been shown to me over this
state. That means so much.
If I took a map of Illinois, hung
it on my wall, and put a pin in it
for each location where Jeff, Kelly
and I have been this year, it would
be covered in all areas! It has been
Guillory makes official Illinois visit
Auxiliary Membership
& Leadership
It’s been our honor to serve on
Mary’s “Leaving our Legacy”
team. She has done an outstanding
job representing the Department
of Illinois always remembering
that we do what we do for our
veterans.
What an exciting year – we
encountered some all too familiar
“potholes” in the road on our way
to the “Casino for a Cause” but
our members had a firm hold on
the steering wheel and managed
to stay on course. We had “highs”
and “lows” but everyone did their
best.
While I’ve done Membership
several times we’ve learned a lot
this year.
Don’t count our members out,
when it comes to crunch time –
such a pleasure to serve along
with Jeff. We both worked hard
for this Department, gave it our
all, and never once had a disagreement.
After all, we were trying to
accomplish the same things; and
by working together, we have also
become great friends. We have
had a beautiful year, and I want
to thank Jeff for that.
I have not been on this journey
alone. There are so many people
I wish to acknowledge for their
contributions. I will start with
the Auxiliaries, because that is
where all the work gets done.
Our members have the biggest
hearts, and their work truly makes
a difference.
I want to thank the Line Officers
and District Presidents for
their contributions this year. We
have worked together so well as
one team. I also want to express
my gratitude to the appointed
Officers and Chairmen. A great
big thank you goes out to our
Hospital Reps in each of the facilities,
because they are making
the world a little better place for
our veterans to be. That is some
of the most important work of the
VFW Auxiliary.
Above all, I want to once again
thank our veterans--who proudly
served this country--for their sacrifices;
and for what they still do
in their communities and for the
VFW. You are the reason that the
VFW Auxiliary exists, and we are
grateful to you. May God bless
you all.
I will end by wishing incoming
Department President, Susan
Parrish, and her team a successful
and productive year ahead; as well
as her counterpart, incoming Department
Commander Don Boyer.
We are looking forward to your
leadership in the upcoming year!
Jo Lynn Altvatter &
Lynn Smith
they deliver
Auxiliaries need to do at least
one mailing a year to keep member
addresses current
Dues Reminders need to go
out early in the year since none
of us pay bills until we receive
notification they are due.
Our members aren’t mind
readers, please send reminders
early in the year so we aren’t
chasing our tails.
We still have a way to go to
see if Department President Mary
is inducted into the Circle of Excellence
at National Convention
but see #1 above, our members
deliver.
Thanks again for all you do for
our veterans and Congratulations
to Mary and Jeff on a great year!
VFW Auxiliary National
President Dee Guillory
made her official visit
to Illinois on April 19-21,
2018.
Dee is from Gloucester,
VA, and a life member of
Wilkins-Edwards Aux.
176. She joined the organization
under her grandfather,
who was both a
World War II and Korean
veteran, having served in
the US Army.
While in Illinois, Dee,
the Line Officers, and
other Auxiliary members
toured the Abraham Lincoln
Museum, Lincoln’s
Tomb, and his historic
boyhood home. The group
also visited the nearby war
memorials, and placed a
wreath at Lincoln’s Tomb.
A banquet was hosted
by Lincoln VFW 1756 in
Dee’s honor, attended by
both VFW and Auxiliary
members.
VFW Auxiliary 4241 in Oak Forest, Ill. worked to furnish and prepare raised
garden beds for Prince Home at Manteno. Five members volunteered to be the
Committee which arranged for the measuring, purchasing and delivery of the
lumber and soil. The residents cared for the gardens and in August, a luncheon
was held for the residents and a dedication of the gardens.
National President Dee Guillory and the Auxiliary line officers.
Guillory places a wreath at the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Oren W. Winter Post 4241 Auxiliary at their annual picnic at the Manteno Veterans
Home. Nearly 100 veterans are served at the picnic. The Post provides cold watermelon
to the function. From left, MacKenzie Kelley, Kim Gorcowski, Karen Christensen, Andy
Christensen, Mary Jayne Fitzpatrick, Barbara Gorcowski, Bernie Ratuszny, Barbara
Montet, Jessica Kraus, Post Member Bernie Krause and Matthew Krause. Not pictured,
Sandi Manestar and Auxiliary President Sandy Coleman.

June 2018 Illinois VFW News Page 11
Veterans and staff of Hines Hospital’s Blind Unit with members of the Johnson-Phelps
VFW & Auxiliary, Third District VFW & Auxiliary, Military Order
of the Purple Heart, Military Order of the Cootie Nwalkao#42 &Auxiliary and
members of the Blue Reckoning, American Lawmen and MNM Motorcycle
Clubs, who escort the vets from the Hospital to the Post.
New Grave Markers
VFW Post 5975 and its
Auxiliary, along with American
Legion Post 90 and
Sons of American Legion
Post 90, have started a project
to put markers on all
of the Grand Army of the
Republic gravesites. GAR
was composed of veterans
of the Union Army, Union
Navy, Marines and the U.S.
Revenue Cutter service who
served in the American Civil
War for the Northern/Federal
forces. Many of these
gravesites have begun to
deteriorate and the markers
are either gone, were never
there, or need replaced.
St. Juvin Post 1336 installs new sign
St Juvin Post 1336 has
purchased a new sign
identifying the Post meeting
place.
The Country Meadows
Homeowners Condominium
Association
has generously provided a
meeting for the Post since
2012 and recently granted
permission to erect a sign.
St. Juvin Post has been
active in the community
for 93 years with community
service programs
such as the high school
scholarship program, Memorial
Day and Veteran’s
Day recognition for all
veterans, and participation
in the Carbon
Hill Homecoming
and Coal City’s
Octoberfest.
Veteran’s service
projects include
the Blankets
for Vets program
which provides a
personalized service
logo themed
throw for veteran’s
with significant
health issues and
the Cards for Vets
program which, in
co-operation with Coal
City Schools provides
veterans in local skilled
care and assisted living
facilities a Christmas card
with a note from a local
school student.
Thanks to the efforts of 24 Advance Welding students at Harlem High School, Machesney
Park, Ill., Clifford E. Johnson Post 9759, Loves Park has a new grill. The students
put in more than 4,000 work hours on the grill, which comes equipped with two
smokers, 2 propane burners and in essence could feed an Army. The post plans to use the
new grill on future Post picnics, fundraising, community events and membership drives.
VFW Auxiliary
District and Post Auxiliaries host Family Freedom Festivals throughout Illinois
As part of the VFW
Auxiliary Americanism
Program, Districts and
Auxiliaries have been
holding Family Freedom
Festivals across the state.
New to the program,
the purpose of these events
is to attract new members
and bring awareness to the
public about the programs.
These events are family
friendly, and all have been
held in conjunction with
the VFW.
The first festival was
held in Olney at VFW Post
4226, on October 7 th , and
was huge success.
The 11 th District Festival
was held in Pana on
April 7, and the 14 th District
held another event on
April 14 th . The final Freedom
Festival was hosted
by Redbud Auxiliary on
April 28 th .
Coloring contest held at Red Bud Family Freedom Festival. State Rep. Jerry
Costello and State Sen. Paul Schimpf were on hand for the events.
Coloring contest held at the Olney Post 4226 Family Freedom Festival.
Above, Face Painting at the Family Freedom Festival held in Sparta. Pictured
at left, Pana Scouts at the District 11 Family Freedom Festival.
Photos provided

Page 12 Illinois VFW News June 2018
Such sacrifice
through valor made,
A debt too deep
to be repaid,
From their courage
freedom born,
To remember them
the poppy worn.
MEMORIAL DAY 2018
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