Service to country never stops for veteran

When people think of veterans, they usually think of dedication, sacrifice and honor.

When Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director L. Tammy Duckworth think of veterans, they may think of Anthony Altieri Jr., at least in October.

Blagojevich named Altieri the State of Illinois' October "Veteran of the Month" for his efforts on behalf of veterans and the community as a whole. The award is given monthly to military veterans who distinguish themselves as community activists, especially when it comes to veterans.

"I believe Mr. Altieri was the perfect candidate for the 'Veteran of the Month' award because he continued to serve his state and community, especially serving various populations in need, like children with special needs," said Duckworth, who recently presented the award at a ceremony held at Altieri's post, Phillips Carpenter AMVETS Post 66 in Wheeling.

Altieri's commitment to his nation began when he was a senior in high school. At 17, he joined the Illinois Army National Guard, where he served eight years, six of which were active duty.

"I remember my uncle serving in the Second World War, so I felt I wanted to do my part, too," said the Wheeling resident. "I served in the B Company of the 1st Battle Group of the 131st Infantry Regiment."

Over time, Altieri became the rifle team leader. His unit's days were filled with training and combat tactics at Camp Ripley in Minnesota. Although he became an expert marksman with the M-1 rifle, Altieri never saw combat.

"It was during the Cold War period and things were always going on," said the 69-year-old. "From time to time you never knew if you were going to be shipped out. Fortunately, that never occurred for my company."

When Altieri, originally from Illinois, was honorably discharged from the Guard in 1963, holding the rank of Sgt. E-5, his service did not stop. First, he became active in the community. He helped with the Cub and Boy Scouts and Jaycees. He served on the Wheeling Planning Commission, which lead to a stint as a village trustee.

A true advocate for veteran affairs, Altieri has been a delegate from his local AMVETS post at the National Convention and serves as the National Executive Committeemen for Illinois to the National Department.

"I will be attending a meeting in Washington the second week of December," Altieri said. "I will represent the state of Illinois, keeping them abreast of what we are doing in Illinois and getting information on national programs to pass on.

"Programs need to address the needs of the young vets, which has changed since when we were in our 30s. There is a lot of post-traumatic stress disorder and homelessness because they can't cope because of what they've been through. We need to do something to help them."

As commander and chairman of his post, the dedicated volunteer is involved helping those vets almost on a daily basis. One of his main concentrations is helping at the North Chicago VA Medical Center. There, he has organized Appreciation Day for the staff, planned picnics for the patients and holds a bingo party the third Wednesday of each month.

"Mr. Altieri enhances the hospitalized veterans' lives not just by bringing gifts and organizing events and activities for them, but by sharing his wonderful spirit," Duckworth said. "He's not just a volunteer to the veterans; he is a friend, a brother, and a comrade."

Such efforts come naturally for Altieri.

"We need to honor vets who have served and sacrificed and paid the price for our freedom. We owe a great debt to our wounded and injured, and they deserve to be taken care of," he said.

Another way Altieri takes care of them is by securing donations, grants and equipment. The equipment includes TVs for the wards, gas grills for the picnics and a wheelchair bus.

"He's a ramrod; he asks what we need and then he goes and gets it," said Kenneth List, chief of community affairs at the medical center. "We have benefited by his involvement because he made a lot of things possible that probably would not have happened without his leadership and support."

List indicated that Altieri, who likes to take on the big projects, might tackle Internet access for the patients as his next project. However, for now, List is excited about the wheelchair bus, as the center has not had a new bus in 26 years.