Chicago Park District to host Veterans Events

Jerry Field The Chicago Park District, Military Program and Events Department will hold series events for Veterans and Military starting with a Veterans Dinner Dance on Saturday December 1st at the Columbus Refectory, inside Humboldt Park, time not announced. All Chicago Park District events will require proof of Military service. events. Woman’s Warrior’s Day on Saturday December, 15 from 10 am to 2 pm at Humboldt Park, 1400 N Humboldt Dr. (3000 West –zip code 60622). Proof of service will be required. The program offers Yoga classes, resources, and VA information on benefits and services. Brunch will be served in addition to gifts for the children.

The major December Veteran Holiday will be on Friday December 7 with a wreath ceremony at Navy Pier Chicago. There will be other memorial events throughout the greater Chicagoland area. Details will be available next week. If your group is sponsoring or hosting a December 7^thevent send the information to [email protected].

HOW EFFECTIVE IS THE JROTC: The JROTC is a program for education, leadership and citizenship. There are 14 high schools in Chicago that host a JROTC unit with a number of high school in the in the Chicagoland area. Commandant Colonel Daniel Baggio of the Chicago JROTC describes the program as education, leadership and citizenship. A program is designed to focus on education/learning achievement with leadership as a life skill. It’s interesting to note that in all 14 JROTC units in Chicago High schools the grade point average (GPA) is at least .05 higher than the general population of the host school. There is no commitment or recruiting for the College ROTC or joining the military. There is a one week summer camp at St John’s Military Academy each year and several school trips to museums and cultural events. The Newish War Veterans offers a medal, certificate and chest ribbon for the outstanding cadet at each JROTC school. The winners are selected by the Cadre at each school, without any outside suggestions.

AT THE PRITZKER MILITARY LIBRARY:

Wednesday December 5, at 6:00 pm. Stephen Moore’s book “Uncommon Valor” is the story of the Special res recon company during the Vietnam War. Code named Studies and Observations Group, was the most covert U.S. Military units in its time and contained only volunteers recruited from the Navy’s Seals; The Army’s Green Berets and the Air Force Commandos. Stephan L. Moore is a Texan, author of 18 previous books on World War II and Texas history. Admission is $10.00, Free for most members.

Tuesday December 11, at 6:00pm. Steven Sodergren’s book “The Army of the Potomac” in Overland and Petersburg’ campaigns. He is the 2018 Colby Award winner which examines the transitions to trench warfare. And the lengthy campaigns of attrition that resulted, and how these seemingly grim new realities affected the mindset and morale of the Union Army.

AT THE JESSEE BROWN VAMC

Friday November 30 at 11:00 AM at the Adam Benjamin Jr. (ABJ) Outpatient clinic, 9301 Madison St. in Crown Point, IN (46307). JBVA will host a town hall meeting at the ABJ for local Veterans, family members and he public to provide feedback on their VA experiences. The meeting is part of a nationwide outreach effort to listen and learn directly from Veterans who use the VA System. For additional information call 312569-8387.

JUST A COMMENT TO VETERANS AND MILITARY

Pending in Washington in the next few weeks will be several bills before Congress. The expansion of dental benefits for all Veterans; finding for various new service and benefits. Many younger Veterans are reluctant to join a Veteran organization. Consider every major Veteran organization has an office in Washington D.C. representing all Veterans and Military to expand of benefits and additional services. Not only for Veterans but for families who have lost a loved one. Many Congressman, Congresswomen and Senators ask how many members do you now have? They are looking to help and also looking for votes. There many Veterans Posts that are moving along with the times taking in to consideration that the younger Vets are not interested in the older Veterans basic of the four B’s. Bingo, Beer, BSs and Being Behind the times. Many young Vets have jobs, families and are interested in supporting Veterans, but need a Post that understand their person time commitment. Need help finding a 2020 Post? Drop me an email at [email protected]

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