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Health & Fitness

Great Community Support for Veterans

A few notes of how our communities support veterans.

The communities of LaGrange Park, LaGrange and the neighboring villages are truly very supportive of the veterans residing in our towns and for those citizen service personnel currently serving our country, including those in the Reserves and Guard.

This is an important consideration for not since the days of WWII have so many reservists and guard been activated and deployed overseas in the service of the United States.Whether one agrees or disagrees with the current political aspects of our engagements, the underlying support for those in uniform has been tremedous. This support is evidenced by numerous examples. Close to home, veteran  and other community organizations have conducted parcel shipments to units, schools have coordinated letters from home campaigns and many groups and individuals have attended "Welcoming Home" rallies when units have returned to their Guard or Reserve Centers.

Such an event occurred recently at the Local 150 Operating Engineers when a Battalion of the 863rd Engineers returned from Afghanistan. Families and well wishers gathered at 2:00 AM to be present for those soldiers.Business and Government leaders also participate in a very important link. ESGR-Employer Support for Guard and Reserve, is headed locally by the Chief of Police for LaGrange, Michael Holub.

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This link serves in an advisory capacity to explain the employment rights and regulations for employers and reservists. The volunteers of this organization clear away misunderstandings that sometimes do arise. Trust me- they are busy.

Not to be forgotten, veterans of past service to our great country are also very honored. Perhaps the very best example is the incredible commitment undertaken by the student counsel of Lyons Township High School. Those young adults participated in a year long event that engaged all the local feeder schools, community organizations and local business's to raise enough money to "purchase" an entire seating for an Honor Flight. 

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To this writer's knowledge, no other high school in the United States not only started a project of this magnitude but actually accomplished this! And advising the students all the way was an dedicated team of adults chaired by Tracy Rouso.

If my memory is in tact- some 85 vets were able to participate in the Honor Flight back in May.Well- as I stated, the communities of our Western Burbs truly recognize the sacrifices of Veterans and current military personnel. That recognition is perhaps our way of saying "Thank You."

This is Chuck saying- over and out.

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