Navy League holds Recognition Dinner

Raymond J. Rose, Lake County Undersheriff and the Lake County Council of the Navy League of the United States will honor U.S. servicemen and women at the Second Annual Recognition Dinner on Saturday, Jan. 25. The dinner and program will begin at 6 p.m. at the Port O’Call Banquet and Conference Center, 2601 A Paul Jones St., Building 140, Great Lakes.

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend this special recognition dinner and program. Cost is $55 per person or $100 per couple. Personalize a message of support by sponsoring a command to attend the banquet for $1,000. Corporate sponsorships also are available. To purchase tickets or for more information, call (847) 949-2553 or go to www.lakecountynlus.org.

“Start the year off right by spending the evening with our local heroes serving at the Great Lakes Naval Station,” Rose said. “This event gives Lake County residents the opportunity to celebrate service to others and service to our country. We will also honor and recognize the Sailor of the Year Award Recipients of the Naval Commands.” A quote by William Arthur Ward aptly expresses this sentiment “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it, is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

The council provides funding for the Returning Warrior Program and other projects that benefit the Sailors at the Great Lakes Naval Base including Sea Cadet Program, Veterans Day Memorials, Navy Ombudsman Program, summer cookouts for visiting Coast Guard Sailors, Navy and VA Opportunity Day in Partnership with the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, Toys for Tots Collection Sites, and Sailor of the Quarter Award Programs.

“I think it’s outstanding the Navy League honors our Sailors,” Rear Adm. Ricky Williamson, commander, Navy Region Midwest, said of last year’s event. “Their interests and our interests interweave, and it’s a strong partnership. Anytime they step up to host events like this dinner is great for our Sailors and the Navy.”