Vets helping vets in Libertyville

Since it originated as Armistice Day in 1919, was designated a national holiday in 1938 and renamed in 1954, Veterans Day has been a time to reflect on sacrifices made.

So it was Thursday at the Winchester House nursing home in Libertyville, where the younger generation came out in force to honor a dwindling contingent.

“A vet is a vet is a vet,” said Glenn Rapanos, a retired U.S. Navy radio man, whose 12-year stretch included Desert Storm. “The reason we do this is to remind them they're not forgotten.”

The occasion was a hearty breakfast of bacon, eggs, sausage and toast courtesy of the Second Brigade Motorcycle Club, a national group, with a chapter in northern Illinois. Many members are Vietnam-era vets.

“My biggest thing is to let people know these guys are here,” said Rapanos, vice-president of the local club, which has in a sense adopted the 21 veterans who live at the county-run facility. “If you know a vet, thank them.”

Last year, the breakfast drew a modest crowd, filling about five tables. This year, there were 100 or more in attendance, as Rapanos had help from his friends at the Great Lakes Naval Station.

That 10 vets who lived at Winchester House have died in the past year was not lost on those in attendance.

“This era is going to be gone. That's what I came for,” said Mark A. Meskimen, commanding officer of the Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit at Great Lakes.

Meskimen and other military guests worked the room on their day off to visit with the Winchester veterans, many of whom are in wheelchairs.

“I think this is wonderful,” said Walter Swift, who joined the Air Force in 1945 and retired as a sergeant.

At advanced ages, some were not able to clearly recall their armed forces experiences. But the sentiment was evident, whether civilian or military.

“They (Second Brigade) have good hearts. They really treat our veterans with respect and make them feel they're not forgotten,” said Mary Purnell, resident services manager at Winchester House.

The club hosts a Christmas party, summer barbecue and other events for Winchester House vets throughout the year and raises donations that can be used by the residents for basics such as haircuts.

“Just to see these veterans really brings a different dimension to what we do today,” said club member Ed Dyson of Port Washington, WI, north of Milwaukee. He served nine years in the Army, leaving in 2001 with the rank of sergeant.

“It's a very humbling experience.”

Ten years ago, Bobby Massey, an Army vet who served in Vietnam, was the building facilities manager at Winchester House. He was the spark who brought veterans there together and attracted the involvement of other groups, such as his VFW Post 4308 in Lake Villa.

“The ranks are getting thinner,” he acknowledged, “but if there was one here, we'd be here.”