Ingleside native is this month’s hero

The Round Lake Area Exchange Club Hometown Hero Committee has announced U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Frank Melchert is the June hero.

This month’s sponsor is Carousel Hair and Tan Center in Round Lake Beach.

Melchert was registered at the club’s site, www.rlaexchange.org/hero, by his friend, Kathy Pederson of Fox Lake.

The June hero, a 25-year Ingleside resident, just returned home from leading his team in Afghanistan. He has served more than 30 years in the Air Force and has earned several honors and awards including Serviceman of The Year.

“We are still working on when we will present Frank and his family his plaque, as his wife surprised him with a weeklong cruise for some ‘alone time’ after spending a few days with friends and family,” said Sherry Ridge, the Hometown Hero Project chairwoman. “He has been in Afghanistan for six months.”

Melchert’s “Hanging with the Heroes” care package will be filled with licorice, treats, a personalized “Hanging with the Heroes” T-shirt and letters from Round Lake Area School District 116 students.

The club will announce the presentation of a plaque on behalf of the June Hometown Hero to his family upon their return.

Any and all military personnel serving overseas or in the U.S. from any of the Round Lake area, Hainesville, Fox Lake or Ingleside qualify for the program. Five minutes will get them registered.

If you have a neighbor, family member, friend, employee, employer, etc. serving in the military, register them by going to www.rlaexchange.org/hero.

Visit the website or call Ridge at (847) 740-2379.