Saddlebrook neighbors honor WWII veteran
On Valentine's Day, three members of the Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, along with 17 neighbors and relatives gathered at the home of Victor Erdelac and his wife, Dianne, to present him with a certificate of appreciation for his military service.
Vic is a World War II veteran who served in the United States Army Air Force. The neighbors who gathered treated everyone to Valentine's Day and patriotic-themed desserts.
Ansel Brainerd Cook member Susan McGlade is taking the DAR membership course. In order to graduate the course, she must complete an independent project. Susan's project was to obtain names of World War II veterans from her chapter, family, friends and neighbors.
Susan printed their names on DAR certificates of appreciation that honor World War II veterans. Vic and Dianne's neighbor, Judy Knoblock, honorary chaplain of Ansel Brainerd Cook, suggested a gathering to present the certificate.
Diane Eubanks, Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter's Regent, presented the certificate to Erdelac for his valor, service and sacrifice during World War II. After the presentation, he captivated everyone with stories of his many experiences in the United States Army Air Force and shared photos and mementos from his years of service.
Vic and Dianne moved from Indiana to Saddlebrook in Grayslake two and a half years ago to be near family.
The Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter, NSDAR, is celebrating its 45th year. The chapter was organized in September 1977 in Libertyville by 17 members. The chapter has now grown to include more than 175 members. In 2021, the ABC chapter members logged in 7,705 volunteer hours.
To learn more about the Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter, NSDAR, email ABC4DAR@gmail.com.