Bensenville to honor vets with community breakfast
Lt. Col. Patricia Klop joined the Marines 16 years ago “to challenge myself to my best potential.”
Years later, that decision led her to Iraq, where she helped ensure the safety of poll workers during Iraq's first election, played soccer on base with young Iraqi men and on “one of the most significant days of my life” led a group of female Marines to a women's and children's hospital in Fallujah to distribute stuffed animals.
She remembers how the Iraqi women broke into smiles when the Marines pulled off their helmets and they realized the soldiers were women, too.
“I really felt we connected with them,” she said.
Klop, a 38-year-old Lake Zurich resident, also served in Afghanistan, which she describes as “a lot tougher, a lot more dangerous place.”
The Marine reservist will talk about her experiences in both countries and share photos and videos during Bensenville's Veterans Day breakfast Thursday, Nov. 11.
When they first arrive, each attendee will have an opportunity to place a yellow pipe cleaner fashioned in the shape of the Support Our Troops ribbon on a wreath.
The wreath will be placed at the village's veterans memorial “in memory of those who have served and those who are serving, in the hope they come home safely,” said Sue Gager, supervisor of active adult programs for the Bensenville Park District.
The Veterans Day event, which features a hot breakfast buffet, is from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the White Pines Banquet Hall, 500 W. Jefferson St.
Bensenville/Wood Dale Boy Scout Troop 47 will present the Colors. Guests are asked to bring Slim Jims or Beef Jerky, which will be sent overseas in care packages by Operation Support Our Troops-Illinois.
All veterans who attend the breakfast will be recognized.
The event is free for veterans and their spouses, children and widows or widowers. Community members pay $5; $8 for nonresidents. Reservations are required and due Tuesday, Nov. 9.
A parking lot shuttle will be provided to the White Pines Banquet Hall. The Veterans Day breakfast is co-sponsored by the village of Bensenville.
If you go
<p>What: Bensenville Veterans Day Breakfast</p>
<p>When: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11</p>
<p>Where: White Pines Banquet Hall, 500 W. Jefferson St., Bensenville</p>
<p>Cost: $5 for Bensenville residents, $8 for nonresidents, free for veterans and their families</p>
<p>Reservations: Due today through Bensenville Park District</p>
<p>Info: (630) 766-7015</p>