How you can help Carol Stream veterans renovate memorial
Before returning veterans left their naval base in San Diego, Jim Benzin's commanding officer gave them a piece of unthinkable advice: Don't wear your uniform.
This was during the Vietnam War, Benzin says. It was a time of protests, when those who served their country often were blamed for an unpopular war and frequently faced verbal abuse upon their return home.
But not donning the uniform?
"That just bothered me back then," Benzin remembers.
It still bothers him when "people lose track" of vets and their sacrifices. So Benzin is now spearheading renovations of a Carol Stream veterans memorial to ensure visitors "can't help but remember" the men and women who served.
Benzin, commander of the Carol Stream VFW Post 10396 (members meet at St. Luke Catholic Church), first approached the village and park district about sprucing up the site at Memorial Park.
He didn't have a formal proposal, but the retired teacher envisioned a few upgrades. Maybe some new landscaping.
That rough idea quickly led to a task force and plans for major improvements to the memorial - new paths, flagpoles for every branch of the military, a small shelter, granite markers and seating.
"I never saw it coming," Benzin said.
The park district estimates the project will cost roughly $200,000, and the committee is seeking to raise the entire amount, Executive Director Jim Reuter said.
Committee members from the park district, VFW, American Legion, village and chamber of commerce tentatively hope to unveil the new memorial on the corner of Thunderbird Trail and Silverleaf Boulevard on Memorial Day 2017 - an "aggressive" goal, Reuter acknowledged.
The group is meeting monthly to plan fundraisers. New brick pavers that will be installed at the memorial also can be purchased to pay tribute to veterans (Benzin will be buying ones for his father and grandfather, who served in World War II and WWI, respectively).
And donors can meet with a task force member at the village's summer concert series at the Town Center, next to the Rotary Club's beer tent.
To donate, mail checks - payable to the Carol Stream Parks Foundation - to 849 W. Lies Road. Donations also can be dropped off at village hall, the park district's Fountain View and Simkus recreation centers, the Carol Stream Public Library or the American Legion.
Reuter credits Benzin as the driving force behind a project to give Carol Stream veterans "a place they can be proud of, reflect and make their own," while still recognizing those currently honored at the park.
Benzin, a former petty officer second class in the Navy, says he simply tries to show other vets "the support and respect they deserve."
It's also why he spends every Wednesday morning bringing doughnuts and visiting a group of them living at the DuPage Convalescent Center in Wheaton.
"They're in the community. They've done wonderful things, and now they're sitting over there, and they're forgotten," Benzin said. "And it shouldn't be that way."