Twenty-first Star Chapter Awards Certificate to Mr. Gary K. Warner
On March 8, 2017 the Twenty-first Star Chapter NSDAR was honored and privileged to award Mr. Gary K. Warner the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Community Service Award. Chapter Regent, Gail Enault, presented him with the certificate during the opening ceremonies of the meeting held at the Park Ridge Country Club. In addition, he was also given a special flag pin that represents the chapter and an American flag that flew over the Illinois State Capitol building on Presidents Day. He has lived in Park Ridge since 1969 and for thirteen years before that in Niles. He is married to his highly supportive wife, Arlene. They have three children, five grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Maine Township Clerk, Gary Warner, has recruited 30 local military veterans to visit America's World War II and Korean War Memorials in Washington, D.C., through the Honor Flight program. His success in signing up veterans has occurred only because of Mr. Warner's ability to approach anyone he suspects of serving in the U.S. military because of a cap or article of clothing they may be wearing. If the person confirms that he served in the military, Mr. Warner hands the surprised a paper form and asks him to fill it out for the opportunity to visit the World War II Memorial in the nation's capital, all expenses paid. Within a few days, he visits the individual's home to pick up the application and submit it to the proper authorities.
Fourteen years ago, Gary Warner had received township approval to designate $1,000 annually to Honor Flight Chicago and to the Maine Township Food Pantry. The money was generated from fees that Maine Township charges residents for the processing of passport applications.
Gary is well known throughout Maine Township and Park Ridge as someone who always wears a U.S. Flag pin on his shirt. And when he spots someone who is not wearing a pin, he'll ask if he can put one on his collar. Their answer is almost always "yes".
Gary Warner is a Korean Army veteran who served from 1952-1954. He had never been on an Honor Flight, despite his years of hard work and devotion in helping others to make the day-long journey. In September of 2016, Gary finally made the trip. During his visit, he received the "Ambassador for Peace" medal from the Minister of the Republic of Korea which he proudly wore at the meeting.
Beside Honor Flight, Gary has been involved with the Citizens Patrol of Park Ridge for 11 years, servings as President for four years. He is an AMVETS Commander, a Worthy Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus, involved with American Legion Post #247, is active in his church teaching CCD, and has numerous awards for his dedication as Township Clerk. He is involved in local Republican politics and is a participant in the Veterans History Project.
The Twenty-first Star Chapter NSDAR serves the Park Ridge, Niles, Des Plaines, and Morton Grove areas. Women who are interested in DAR membership should know that any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal decent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership. The DAR recognizes "Patriots: as not only soldiers but also anyone who contributed to the cause of American freedom." Contact Second Vice Regent, Dorothy Wilson at (847) 328-6946 for further details.