'Hometown Heroes' honored for their patriotic efforts

A ceremony played out quietly last month in the Blue Room of the Thompson Center in Chicago.

That's where Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn honored some of his favorite constituents: local people and organizations who are making a special effort to help soldiers, military families and veterans.

He calls them his "Homefront Heroes," and he presented 23 awards to these unsung heroes, all from the Chicago area, including four from the Northwest suburbs.

At the ceremony, Quinn saluted their patriotism and support of the troops. But he added their efforts took on renewed meaning during the holidays, when it can be very lonely and isolating for soldiers deployed overseas.

"During the holiday season, it is especially important to remember our soldiers and their families," Quinn said. "Military families sacrifice so much for our country, and it is our responsibility to show our gratitude in every way we can."

These local recipients came from all walks of life, literally. They included high school students, suburban choir members, a married couple and their nonprofit foundation they started, as well as a cafe waitress.

Will and Mary Beth Beiersdorf of Arlington Heights were recognized for their nonprofit organization, called Salute Inc, which provides financial support and emergency relief for military families.

The couple started the foundation after struggling themselves when Will Beiersdorf, a Naval reservist, was deployed.

Their most recent event organized by Salute Inc., was the inaugural Veterans Memorial Tollway 5K Run, Walk and Roll, which drew thousands of runners and raised $200,000 for service members, veterans and their families.

Students in the Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps at Northwest Suburban High School District 214 schools also were among the recipients.

A total of 122 students participate in JROTC at Wheeling, Elk Grove, Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Hersey and Buffalo Grove high schools. For the holidays, they raised $5,500, or enough to purchase 200 phone cards loaded with 550 minutes each.

They presented the phone cards, along with decks of playing cards, to a group of Marines before they were deployed.

Laurie Malmberg of Des Plaines inspired her fellow employees and the owner of Yellow Rose Cafe in Chicago to adopt four soldiers. Every month they sent packages, filled with special items, all paid for by donations made by cafe workers and customers.

The Spirit of Life Chorus, a Christian-based choir based in Bartlett that typically performs in suburban churches, teamed up with VFW Post 2992 in Des Plaines to put on a series of concerts to collect items for the troops.

One concert in Huntley drew 1,000 people, who contributed more than $10,000 worth of items.

"I am proud to honor these Homefront Heroes for their hard work," Quinn added. "I salute their patriotism and thank them for their efforts in supporting our soldiers. They are a shining example of how every day people can make an extraordinary difference."