Veterans Network Committee Turns Setback Into Success
Veterans Network Committee Turns Setback Into Success
Cary, IL.-On a recent Saturday, Lake Julian in Cary came alive with the sound of live
music, games and fun. People from all over the community and surrounding areas
came out to enjoy the food and live entertainment, while supporting a good cause right in their own backyard. It was hard to believe in the midst of such a festive atmosphere, that this event almost didn't happen.
The Veterans Network Committee of Northern Illinois originally planned for a two-day event. The first day would be a fundraiser for Honor Flight, a program that sends WWII Veterans to see their memorial in Washington, D.C. at no cost to them. The second day would be a celebration to welcome home a group of veterans from the community just returning from their Honor Flight trip. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond their control, this Honor Flight trip had to be rescheduled. The VNC didn't want all the time and resources put into this event to go to waste, and when they heard about the devastating flood in Cary, they realized they had a perfect opportunity to give back. So Randy Granath, VNC President, contacted Holly Kelps of the Cary Lions club and a partnership was born. Holly explains, “It was incredible how many people wanted to help. the community spirit is so big. It works so well bringing all the businesses together. We don't have to forget our own missions, but we can all work together to help the Cary
community.”
Cary Mayor Mark Kownick was in attendance and presented the VNC with an official proclamation of thanks for their commitment to supporting residents impacted by flooding. Mayor Kownick points out that this event is about neighbors helping neighbors. He affirms, “They turned it into a positive by helping Cary flood victims. That shows the type of community we have. It's small town USA, helping each other out.”
As for that rescheduled Honor Flight, it will take place on September 13-15. The VNC will be hosting a Welcome Home party at the Cary Country Club for those veterans returning on September 15. Mayor Kownick will be there, and the entire community is encouraged to come out and show support for those brave individuals who faithfully served in the armed forces.
In fact, when asked what it takes to make such an event successful, Murray Weiner,
owner of Entertainment Management Group says, “The community has to be behind it. ... It's not a lot to ask for guys who risked their lives.”
Katie Van Diggelen, owner of New Balance Athletic Shoes and Achieve Footwear, both in Crystal Lake, agrees, “I wouldn't be here in my business or my life if it wasn't for those people who have served. ... Support those who served to make all this possible. It's not about the return, it's about giving back.”
The members of the Veterans Network Committee are counting on that show of support on Sunday, September 15 to give the WWII veterans of this community a truly memorable celebration. The Welcome Home Party will begin at 1:00pm at the Cary Country Club, and festivities will include a 17 piece orchestra and guest speakers including Mayor Mark Kownick, of Cary.
The following veterans will be returning from their Honor Flight that day:
John H. Yarnall of Lake Villa, age 86, Navy
Edward J. Schutter of Joliet, age 93, Army
Julius T. Arenberg, Jr. of St. Charles, age 90, Navy
Joseph L. Vokaty of Crystal Lake, age93, Army
Leonard E. Messineo of Grayslake, age 88, Army
Stanley J. Jenkner of Algonquin, age 86, Army
David N. Roche of Cary, age 88, Navy
Francis K. Breen of Marengo, age 90, Navy
Gerald R. Reagle of Arlington Heights, age 88, USMC
Robert Evans of Algonquin, age 90, Army/Air
Norbert F. Orzech of Crystal Lake, age 87, USMC
John B. Badamo of Lake Zurich, age 87, Navy
Donald W. Mergler of Oakwood Hills, age 94, Army
Attilio A. Foresta of Grayslake, age 89, Army/Air
Mary W. Foresta of Grayslake, age 82, Army
Morrie Bishaf of Gurnee, age 87 Army
Sidney Cohen of Huntley, age 90, Army