Streamwood native at White House dinner for Iraq veterans
For the son and brother of a Streamwood family, standing before “the boss” took on a new meaning for this military man, when he found himself standing before the commander in chief at the White House, Feb. 29.
Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Donnie R. Bolton Jr. was one of 78 service members chosen to join President Barack Obama and the first lady as the White House held a black-tie formal dinner and tribute to Iraq War veterans and their families, to honor them for their service, sacrifice and commitment to the nation. Bolton is the son of Bonnie L. Polan and brother of Jesse L. Bolton, both of Streamwood.
Iraq War veterans where chosen from all across the nation and represented the more than 1 million veterans who served there. Bolton, a 1989 graduate of Streamwood High School, represented Tennessee veterans of the Iraq War.
“I am extremely humbled and honored to be chosen to represent the many men and women of the United States Air Force who have served and contributed to Operation Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn,” said Bolton, who is currently an operations superintendent for 21st Security Forces Squadron, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Other VIPs attending the dinner included Vice President Joe Biden, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, along with senior officials from all military branches. The event was named, “A Nation’s Gratitude: Honoring Those Who Served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.”
Bolton deployed various times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit from 2003 through 2007. He has served in uniform for 22 years.
During the dinner, Obama said, “As your commander in chief, I could not be more proud of you. As an American, as a husband and father of two daughters, I could not be more grateful for your example of the kind of country we can be, and for what we can achieve when we stick together.
“You taught us about sacrifice — a love of country so deep, so profound, you’re willing to give your life for it. Tonight, we pay solemn tribute to all who did,” Obama said.
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