Palatine Township Honors Two Air Force Families with Blue Star Banners

Two local men currently serving in the United States Air Force were honored by Palatine Township on October 26, 2015; their families were each given a Blue Star Banner. The banners are meant to be displayed in the windows of each of their homes, signifying the deep commitment and military service of their family members.

Air Force Major Grant Threlfall's mother Georgia Philippe accepted the banner honoring her son. The parents of Airman 1st Class Zachary Benzo, Jim and Coleen Benzo, and his brother Jack accepted the Blue Star Banner in his honor.

Palatine Township Clerk Lisa Moran developed the Blue Star Banner program to highlight military members and their families for their sacrifices. Palatine Township Supervisor Sharon Langlotz-Johnson presented the Blue Star Banners in the ceremony.

"The Blue Star Banner Program is unique in that it recognizes the sacrifices and struggles that military families endure," Moran said. "These families need the support of their neighbors and community, and that banner hanging in the window oftentimes starts that conversation."

Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz presented each family with a Village Proclamation, and State Senator Matt Murphy gave each family a Senate Resolution in their name. State Representative Tom Morrison also presented each family with a special Letter of Recognition from his office.

All three elected officials spoke of their gratitude to both the families and to their sons for their service to our nation. Jacqueline Blount, Post Commander of American Legion Palatine Post 690, welcomed them and offered the Legion's support as well.

"Our banner presentations are really quite special. We include a narrated photo slideshow highlighting the service member's life and military service, making it very personal," Moran said. "Other than the special resolutions and proclamations, these families are also given folders with information relating to military benefits, therapy programs and more."

This was Palatine Township's 11th Blue Star Banner presentation. The Township has now hosted 45 since the program's inception in June of 2011. The presentation of Blue Star Banners for military families dates back to World War I.

All military families are invited to apply to receive this recognition, and can visit the Palatine Township website at http://www.palatinetownship.com/blue-star-banner/ to learn more. Photos from previous presentations can be viewed on the website.

"Palatine Township wants our military families to know that we support them and are keeping them and their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers," Moran said.

For more information, please contact Clerk Lisa Moran's office at 847-358-6700.