06/14/2023
The "good old boys" rise again. When will it ever end
Honoring the Dead by Serving the Living.Visit our website at www.vfwilthird.org
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 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.
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
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 LaRocco passed away last night.
Photos from Hometown Murray Auxillary 9773's post
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.
Some medical conditions may be considered service connected if they become at least 10% disabling within certain time limits
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...
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
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
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
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
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
SEPTEMBER is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month!
Photos from Jonathan Cooper: Assistant State Adjutant, VFW Department of Illinois's post
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
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...
Action Alert: Tell Congress to Support the COST of War Act and the Honoring our PACT Act!
Background:Now is the time for Congress to pass comprehensive toxic exposure legislation. Veterans from all eras have experienced an array of unexplained health conditions and illnesses associated with the toxic exposures and environmental hazards...
ELECT JONATHAN COOPER STATE JR. VICE COMMANDER.
LEADERSHIP FOR ILLINOIS VFW
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 · 12:30 – 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
Illinois General Assembly - HB3590Witness Slips
Witness Slips
Congratulations to Post 8821. They are at 100% Membership. Well done!
Summary of H.R. 7105 (116th): Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement ... - GovTrack.us
Summary of H.R. 7105 (116th): Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020
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