Veterans Affairs director to headline Hearts of Valor Ball
Officials with the Heart of a Marine Foundation, based in Elk Grove Village, haven't ruled out an appearance by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn at their Hearts Of Valor Ball on Saturday, but they concede it's unlikely.
Last year, Quinn headlined the event less than one month after taking office. This year, however, his office received the invitation in the midst of the primary and so far has not responded.
"He hasn't declined, let's put it that way," says Barbara Matsukes, foundation spokeswoman. "Gov. Quinn is a staunch supporter of ours and of all Illinois military, but I haven't heard from him or his security people."
Instead, foundation members landed Dan Grant, Illinois Veterans' Affairs director, to speak to the crowd of more than 330 guests at the Stonegate Conference & Banquet Centre in Hoffman Estates.
Grant is a West Point graduate who served as a platoon leader and executive officer in Iraq and Germany, before being named to direct the state's veteran affairs one year ago.
He replaced Tammy Duckworth, who was nominated by President Obama to serve as assistant secretary of the federal Department of Veterans Affairs.
"We're thrilled (to get Grant)," said Georgette Frank, who with her husband, Roy, founded the Heart of a Marine Foundation in memory of their son, Lance Cpl. Phillip Frank, who was killed in Iraq in 2004. "He's the point person with veterans affairs in the state."
As an advocate for the state's 1.2 million veterans, she expects Grant will speak about the current direction of veterans' programming in the state.
The Heart of a Marine Foundation has focused its mission to donate software and computers for use in treating traumatic brain injury and stroke. They make donations to VA hospitals and civilian health care facilities.
Locally, they work with the Veterans' Center at Alexian Brothers Medical Center and the Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse in Chicago.
Proceeds from Saturday's ball, including from the live and silent auctions and raffle, will be earmarked to support those programs.
Officials say representatives from all branches of the armed forces will be in attendance, not just the Marine Corps as its name suggests, as well as veterans and their families.
"It's a nonpolitical, patriotic celebration of our armed forces and the sacrifices our veterans have made for us," Matsukes adds.
Tickets at $85 per person remain available for the event, which begins at 6 p.m. Call (847) 621-7324 or visit heartofamarine.org. Tickets also may be purchased at the door.