Volunteers, veterans to renovate Des Plaines American Legion

Members of the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry's Back to Work Boot Camp will join with volunteers from Rivers Casino on Friday and Saturday to paint and remodel the American Legion Hall in Des Plaines.

The volunteers - including 20 local veterans from the Back to Work Boot Camp - will work on demolition and prep work from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at 1291 Oakwood Ave. in Des Plaines. They will then paint and clean up from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

The project celebrates the imminent 100th anniversaries of the American Legion, as well as Post 36 in Des Plaines.

"Des Plaines was one of the first communities in Illinois, and the entire nation, to charter an American Legion post when it did so in 1920," chamber Director Andrea Biwer said.

"It was only one year after the American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic organization of veterans."

This particular effort is part of an 11-week program sponsored by the Des Plaines Chamber, Rivers Casino and other local businesses. The Boot Camp provides veterans from all branches of the military a chance to participate in educational programs focused on re-entering civilian life and career readiness.

"The Des Plaines Chamber spearheaded the effort to bring us all together for this weekend of giving back," said Post 36 Commander Thomas Strossner. "Rivers Casino provided their incredible leadership to guide us through the remodel and donated the support and supplies. Family-owned Scharm Floor Covering in Des Plaines is also donating and installing new flooring that will be completed in a few weeks as part of this great project."

The Back to Work Boot Camp will conclude with a graduation event at the renovated American Legion post on Thursday, Nov. 8, at which each veteran in the program will receive more than $8,000 in career-enhancing gifts for their participation.