3rd District, Department of Illinois, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

3rd District, Department of Illinois, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Honoring the Dead by Serving the Living.Visit our website at www.vfwilthird.org

06/14/2023

The "good old boys" rise again. When will it ever end

Will this be in the Illinois VFW newspaper?  Every other National Guard promotion is.  If this guy joined Coal City Post...
03/10/2023

Will this be in the Illinois VFW newspaper? Every other National Guard promotion is. If this guy joined Coal City Post there would be no doubt it would be there.

GLEN CARBON, IL. OFFICER SELECTED TO COMMAND ILLINOIS NATIONAL GUARD’s 126th AIR REFUELING WING

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Colonel Steven Olson of Glen Carbon has been selected as the next Commander of the Illinois Air National Guard’s 126th Air Refueling Wing based at Scott Air Force Base.

“Colonel Olson has been filling this vital role for several months and already doing a tremendous job,” said Brig. Gen. Dan McDonough, the Assistant Adjutant General – Air of the Illinois National Guard and Commander of the Illinois Air National Guard. “Steve was selected from multiple well-qualified candidates within the state.”

Colonel Olson serves as the 126th Air Refueling Wing Vice Commander, with several prior positions in the 126th Air Refueling Wing including the Operations Group Commander, Air Refueling Squadron Commander, Director of Operations, Director of Training and Deputy Chief of Scheduling. He has also served in wing staff positions including in plans and as the Crisis Action Team Director. In addition, he served as the Commander of the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Andersen AFB, Guam.

“It is very humbling and an honor to be selected as the Wing Commander. I could not have made it to this position alone. From my family to my co-workers, everything we accomplish in the Air Force, we accomplish as a team,” Olson said. “We have an outstanding team here that leads the Air Force in so many ways. For my family, Sara, and our three children; Katelyn, Ryan and Kaylee, I want to thank them personally for allowing me to continue to serve and for supporting me. Their support and sacrifices though out my military career have been amazing.”

General McDonough said the 126th Air Refueling Wing is a top-tier unit thanks to the hard work and dedication of its Airmen.

“The 126th Air Refueling Wing is a high-performing outfit and will continue to excel with the leadership of Colonel Olson,” he said. “Our 126th Air Refueling Wing Airmen set the standard for the entire Air Force. The wing has the highest KC-135 mission capable rate and most recently was awarded the 2023 Verne Orr Award.”

The U.S. Air Force Association’s Verne Orr Award was named in honor of former Secretary of the Air Force Verne Orr and recognizes an Air Force unit that makes the most effective use of its human resources.

Colonel Olson will be responsible for the 126th Air Refueling Wing’s approximately 800 Airmen and for the wing’s eight KC-135R aircraft. The wing executes worldwide air refueling and airlift operations and supports a wide range of plans. The wing is well known for their excellence. In 2021, the wing received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the third time in a row and the 10th time total. The award is designated for units that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units.

Colonel Olson attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He began his military career as a KC-135 Boom Operator at Fairchild Air Force Base prior to transferring into the 126th Air Refueling Wing at Scott Air Force Base. He graduated from the Academy of Military Science and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 2003. Upon receiving his commission, Colonel Olson attended undergraduate pilot training. His initial flying assignment was to the 108th Air Refueling Squadron, 126th Air Refueling Wing, in 2005 as a KC-135E pilot.

01/24/2023
11/21/2022

Hello Comrades,

Here is an update on District Commander Chris Garza. The surgery to remove the mass in his arm was a success. I spoke to him shortly after surgery while he was in recovery. He will be staying overnight at the VA for observation and should be released tomorrow. He thanks everyone for the prayers and encouragement. He said he will provide an update once he's home and resting.

In True Comradeship,
Jonathan Cooper,
Commander, PFC Ted Stempien Post 8821
SR Vice Commander, Third District

Funeral information for Michael LaRocco:https://baronsburials.com/michael-v-larocco
10/06/2022
Baron's Burials

Funeral information for Michael LaRocco:

https://baronsburials.com/michael-v-larocco

Michael V LaRocco. Beloved husband of 54 years to Kathleen J (nee Piwowar). Loving father of Michael (Lindsey Brashler) LaRocco. Dearest Papa of Oscar, Domenic, and Sidney. Dear brother of Peter (Cheryl) LaRocco, Philip (Debbie) LaRocco, the late Donald (Rosalie) LaRocco, and brother-in-law of James...

It is with sad news for me to inform everyone that our Brother, friend,  comrade past Post and District Commander Mike L...
10/05/2022

It is with sad news for me to inform everyone that our Brother, friend, comrade past Post and District Commander Mike LaRocco passed away last night.

09/16/2022
Photos from Hometown Murray Auxillary 9773's post
09/12/2022

Photos from Hometown Murray Auxillary 9773's post

09/08/2022
Youth Scholarships
09/01/2022
Youth Scholarships

Youth Scholarships

If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $30,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.

Include the Major Richard Star Act in the FY23 NDAA
07/09/2022
Include the Major Richard Star Act in the FY23 NDAA

Include the Major Richard Star Act in the FY23 NDAA

 BackgroundOur nation’s combat disabled veterans are being denied full access to their hard-earned benefits. Over 50,000 medically retired veterans—many of whom are Purple Heart recipients—are forbidden from receiving their full retirement...

07/08/2022

Reverend Donald Meeks wake will be Friday July 15th @ 3pm-6pm
Gatlings Funeral Home
1200 E 162nd St
South Holland, IL

Funeral service will be Saturday July 16th
Monument of Faith
2750 W Columbus Ave
Chicago, IL
Visitation 10am-11am
Service 11am
**Repass immediately following service in dining hall next door**

Burial will be Monday, July 18, 2022 @ 1pm
Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
20953 W Hoff Rd
Elwood, IL 60421

07/04/2022

Post’s Commanders & Auxiliary Presidents,

It is with Great sorrow to announce the untimely passing of a Passionate, Dedicated Veteran and Comrade to All. The Passing of Rev. Donald Meeks from Charles L. Hunt VFW Post 2024. He
passed away this morning.

On behalf of the 3rd District VFW and Auxiliary and Myself; our Deepest Condolences to the Family

Please keep the family and post members in your prayers as this is a difficult time for everyone that knew Rev. Meeks.

As further information is received in the upcoming days, information will be disseminated to the Post Commanders and Aux Presidents.

Thank You all for your Support.

Respectfully,

Christopher C. Garza
3rd Dist. Commander

Photos from Jonathan Cooper: Assistant State Adjutant, VFW Department of Illinois's post
01/12/2022

Photos from Jonathan Cooper: Assistant State Adjutant, VFW Department of Illinois's post

VFW Action Corps Weekly
12/20/2021
VFW Action Corps Weekly

VFW Action Corps Weekly

Stay up-to-date with the VFW's legislative efforts through the VFW Action Corps Weekly.

Photos from Jonathan Cooper: Assistant State Adjutant, VFW Department of Illinois's post
12/07/2021

Photos from Jonathan Cooper: Assistant State Adjutant, VFW Department of Illinois's post

Veterans in Illinois can go to the Dentist for Free in November
10/26/2021
Veterans in Illinois can go to the Dentist for Free in November

Veterans in Illinois can go to the Dentist for Free in November

There is a way for the Veterans in the state of Illinois to receive free dental services in the month of November, but you have to make sure you schedule an appointment. According to an article from mywabashvalley.com veterans in the Land of Lincoln are able to get free dental services during the mo...

VFW Action Corps Weekly
09/27/2021
VFW Action Corps Weekly

VFW Action Corps Weekly

Stay up-to-date with the VFW's legislative efforts through the VFW Action Corps Weekly.

Photos from Jonathan Cooper: Assistant State Adjutant, VFW Department of Illinois's post
09/17/2021

Photos from Jonathan Cooper: Assistant State Adjutant, VFW Department of Illinois's post

09/03/2021

SEPTEMBER is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month!

08/10/2021
Photos from Jonathan Cooper: Assistant State Adjutant, VFW Department of Illinois's post
07/22/2021

Photos from Jonathan Cooper: Assistant State Adjutant, VFW Department of Illinois's post

07/22/2021
VFW Action Corps Weekly
07/19/2021
VFW Action Corps Weekly

VFW Action Corps Weekly

Stay up-to-date with the VFW's legislative efforts through the VFW Action Corps Weekly.

2020-2021 All-American Program Update
06/22/2021
2020-2021 All-American Program Update

2020-2021 All-American Program Update

Watch this important video from VFW National Commander Hal Roesch, as he explains some important changes that have recently been made to the 2020-2021 All-Am...

06/09/2021

ELECT JONATHAN COOPER STATE JR. VICE COMMANDER.

LEADERSHIP FOR ILLINOIS VFW

Photos from Jonathan Cooper: Assistant State Adjutant, VFW Department of Illinois's post
06/06/2021

Photos from Jonathan Cooper: Assistant State Adjutant, VFW Department of Illinois's post

Here is the link to the google meet for the District Convention.  Please pass this along.  (No title)Sunday, May 16 · 12...
05/15/2021
Meet

Here is the link to the google meet for the District Convention. Please pass this along.

(No title)
Sunday, May 16 · 12:30 – 14:00
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/qsq-kvtp-aad
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 609-795-1438‬ PIN: ‪648 302 242‬ #
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/qsq-kvtp-aad?pin=2853877782566

Convention starts at 1300. Delegate names must be to the Adjutant prior to 1300.

Thanks

Mike

Real-time meetings by Google. Using your browser, share your video, desktop, and presentations with teammates and customers.

Photos from Jonathan Cooper: Assistant State Adjutant, VFW Department of Illinois's post
03/29/2021

Photos from Jonathan Cooper: Assistant State Adjutant, VFW Department of Illinois's post

03/11/2021

Congratulations to Post 8821. They are at 100% Membership. Well done!

12/31/2020

Address

5104 S Archer Avenue
Chicago, IL
60632

Telephone

(773) 403-3789

Website

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This legislation concerns all veterana, Your action helps in no small way. VFW Dept. Of Illinois Legislative action alert please share and send to all you know. Only takes a minute of your time. please share to all you know.
Rhine Post VFW & Auxiliary @2729 invites you to celebrate Charlie Lake's 100 Birthday.
Come on out on Sunday, October 24th at 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 5858 Archer Ave. Chicago, IL.

Refreshments and Cake will be served.

Parking across the street.
Hope to see you there.
Habitat for Humanity will be working on a Veteran's home on Nov 11th. Media coverage is expected to be there and would like VFW representation during the event. The location is in DuPage county. Is anyone interested in attending? Please let me know.
Here is a video of work done for a Marine vet.
Celebration of life
Terry Ann Calabrese
Sunday, October 3, 2021
1 pm CST
Rhine Post VFW 2729
5858 S Archer
Chicago, IL 60638

Come share a few memories
Refreshments will follow the service
Contact Diane Pencak for a zoom invite
Bring a mask
Celebration of life
Nancy Rufa
Saturday, October 2, 2021
3 pm CST
Rhine VFW 2729
5858 S Archer
Chicago, IL 60638

Come share a few memories
Refreshments will follow the service
Contact Diane Pencak for a zoom invite
Bring a mask
Amazing Auxiliary President.
Thank You Auxiliaries For All Your Support.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 15, 2021

Jesse Brown Offers COVID-19 Vaccine to More Veterans

CHICAGO, IL — Jesse Brown VA Medical Center will offer more opportunities for Veterans to get a COVID-19 vaccine on Sunday and Monday, Jan. 17 and 18. Veterans can walk in to get the vaccine or call to make an appointment those days. The Jesse Brown vaccine clinic will continue to operate through Friday, Jan. 22 by appointments.
Vaccines will be available from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Veterans can call 312-569-5801 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. starting on Saturday to schedule an appointment. Veterans can also go to the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center to get the vaccine as a walk-in patient between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day.
Veterans who are 65 years old and older and who are in high-risk categories, as defined by the CDC, can get the vaccine
The vaccines will be available at the medical center’s main campus at 820 S. Damon Avenue and at the Adam Benjamin Jr. Outpatient Clinic in Crown Point, Indiana at 9301 Madison Street. Jesse Brown will offer COVID-19 vaccines to all Veterans who want it as doses are available.

About the Jesse Brown VA: Jesse Brown VAMC which is located near downtown Chicago, consists of a 220-bed acute care facility and operates four community-based outpatient clinics in Auburn Gresham, Lakeside, Chicago Heights, and Crown Point, IN. Jesse Brown VAMC provides care to enrolled veterans who reside in the City of Chicago, Cook County and six counties in northwestern Indiana.
LAST DAY 10 slots left For post and district Service officers National training with department break outs after Saturday 23 January @ 1200 via ZOOM You must register!!!!! E-mail or Message me and I shall send registration site. Our Department is well represented thank you.
Comrades, There are just two more days to sign up for the “National Service Officer Training” that shall take place 23 January at 1200 hours. It's vital to have post service officers trained to fulfill the mission of the VFW. I do know that our 4th district is well represented and would hope all the other districts follow suit in the department of Illinois. Again this is limited to “service officers”. Many are not on social media so please make an effort to reach them by deadline. You can contact me though our district website and I'll e-mail you the signup site.
Comrades, There are just two more days to sign up for the “National Service Officer Training” that shall take place 23 January at 1200 hours. It's vital to have post service officers trained to fulfill the mission of the VFW. I do know that our 4th district is well represented and would hope all the other districts follow suit in the department of Illinois. Again this is limited to “service officers”. Many are not on social media so please make an effort to reach them by deadline. You can contact me though our district website and I'll e-mail you the signup site.
From Steve Fixler DuPage Co. VSO please help if you can and contact SO DeGroot 4th district for his contact information

The Chicago Veteran’s Home, which is an Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs Home, is planning on opening this Feb. It will hold 200 Veterans. It’s located at 4250 North Oak Park Ave., at the corner of Forrest Preserve Drive and Oak Park Ave. It’s just east of the Harlem-Irving Plaza on the NW side of Chicago. This not a Chicago or Cook County Veteran’s Home. It’s a state Veteran’s home.
They only expect maybe 5 or 10 Veterans for opening day. They’re not going to get 200 that day. Then days later, they will continue to get more Veterans. Some Veterans will be brand new to the Veteran’s home system and some will transfer from the other Homes.
Right now, I plan on being there for Opening Day (No date has been set yet). I will have a welcome poster and a welcome gift for each Veteran. So far, I have 100 tote bags and a ton of toiletries, so I don’t need any toiletries. Different types of toiletries will be put in each tote.
What I’m looking for are:
Tote Bags – 100
Pens
Paper
Stationary – Holiday and non-holiday cards, so the Veteran can write to their grandson or granddaughter.
Stamps
Playing Cards
These items can come from a Veteran’s organization, civilian company or an individual.
I’ve got a Brownie Troop and a couple of schools to write up welcome cards, but if you know of any Brownie Troop or school that would like to do that, contact me.
I’m not looking to completely fill each bag. Just a few items in each bag as a welcome gift.
I know this is short notice, but I need them at the very latest, during the last week of Jan.
I don’t know if they’ll let more than one person besides me there for Opening Day. I may end up standing in the parking lot welcoming everyone.
Let me know what items you might be able to get, and we’ll work out how I will get the items. Most likely, I’ll come to you to pick them up.
Pass this on to anyone who might be interested in helping out.
Contact me if you have any questions.
Steve
Please if anyone can attend.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Cook County Recorder of Deeds
October 14, 2020 [email protected]
(312) 603-5050
Recorder of Deeds Public Notice

October 14, 2020 Edward M. Moody, Cook County Recorder of Deeds is now offering Veterans and active duty service members’ the ability to register online for the Cook County Military and Discount Card at the Recorder of Deeds website https://www.cookrecorder.com/militarydiscount/

The online registration allows active-duty personnel, veterans, guard members and reservists to register from the comfort of their home. This new service helps protect the veterans and service members and eliminates any issues or concerns they may have relating to COVID-19. It provides veterans and active duty military with a free money-saving discount card and access to a diverse network of over 200 businesses that are committed to providing discounts.

To obtain a Military and Veteran’s Discount Card, the eligible recipient must first register online at https://www.cookrecorder.com/militarydiscount/. Once the registration has been completed and submitted online, the recipient is required to submit by mail, to the Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office, 118 N. Clark Street, Room 120, Chicago, IL 60602: One color, head shot photo and one copy of the following proof of service (DD-214, VA ID, CAC Card or Retired Military ID) card. And, if submitting a DD-214, one copy of the following government issued ID (Valid Driver’s License, State ID, Passport, CAC card or VA ID).

When all required documents have been received, the Recorder of Deeds Office will process the information and send by mail, the Cook County Military and Veterans Discount Card, entitling the veteran to discounts with 200 merchants in Cook County.

“Through the commitment and support of businesses’, the Recorder of Deeds Office is proud to continue serving our veterans and service members in these challenging times,” said Edward M. Moody, Cook County Recorder of Deeds.

The Military and Veteran’s Discount Program (MVDP) jointly administered with the Cook County Office of Veterans Affairs is a vehicle to build a network of businesses across Cook County, who offer military and veteran discounts beyond the normal military holidays. This public-private partnership is a small way to honor those who have served by helping them keep more of their hard-earned money. The discounts range from a percentage of the service-member’s total bill to free admission to a theater, museum or sporting event and the list of participating businesses can be accessed at https://www.cookrecorder.com/militarydiscount/

For more information or to sign-up a business for the veterans’ discount program, please go to https://www.cookrecorder.com/militarydiscount/ or call the Veterans Service Office at 312-603-5788.
Comrades, Once again because of the Corona19 situation we have had to move the date of the workshop. The new date is 24 October. We are being optimistic that normality shall come back into our lives and feel strongly that this workshop is vital for our veterans community/family. The registrations have been robust so please register early. Questions please feel free to contact us.
Comrades. Our date of 1 August still stands for our veterans workshop. If the state mandate does not change though it will have to be moved (probably to October). I still encourage you all to sign up and to pass this on to other districts and post. It shall fill up especially with the program we have.
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