Illinoisans encouraged to remember vets, service members this holiday season

SPRINGFIELD — Taking a few moments to write a holiday card or send a pair of socks might seem like a small gesture, but for service members and veterans on the receiving end, such gifts can mean the world.

That was the message conveyed today by First Lady Diana Rauner as she announced the 2018 Holiday Hero Drive for Illinois service members and veterans. The drive sends holiday cards and socks to Illinois service men and women, including those currently overseas, reminding them that they are cherished and remembered at holiday time.

The drive is done in partnership with the United Service Organizations (USO) of Illinois, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA), and the Illinois Governor’s Mansion Association.

“Our active duty military and veterans have made countless sacrifices to preserve our way of life, and it is vital that we always remember and support our Illinois heroes,” Mrs. Rauner said. “Holiday cards and socks are simple gifts that can lift their spirits and show our men and women in uniform that we appreciate their service.”

“Gov. Rauner and I encourage all Illinoisans to participate in the Holiday Hero Drive by sending cards or socks to the USO or a local veterans services office,” she continued. “We are proud to work with these partners to express our gratitude to the military and veteran communities this holiday season.”

In addition to cards, the Holiday Hero Drive includes sock donations this year. Participants can send in new tan or black boot socks to USO of Illinois officials, who will distribute the collected socks to deployed troops as well as veterans in Illinois Veterans’ Homes.

“Deployed service members are on their feet a lot, and tan or black boot socks — which can be worn with any uniform — are one of the most requested items, to keep their feet dry, clean and comfortable,” said David Darroch, USO program director.

“This great program will show every service member — soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, and Coast Guard member — that we truly appreciate their sacrifice and service and that they are not forgotten as they continue to serve wherever they are assigned to complete their duty,” IDVA Director Stephen Curda said.

Cards and socks should be mailed now through Nov. 20 to the following address:

USO of Illinois – Holiday Hero Drive

333 N. Michigan Ave.

Suite 2226

Chicago, IL 60601

Cards and socks also can be dropped off at the Governor’s Mansion, 410 E. Jackson St., Springfield, or with a local Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs veteran service officer. Office locations can be found here: https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/Pages/ServiceOffices.aspx.

Mrs. Rauner reminds the public that with service members stationed throughout the world, including many remote locations, it is important to send holiday cards and socks to USO of Illinois as early as possible to ensure they arrive before the holidays.

Any questions about the Holiday Hero Drive can be addressed to mansionassociation@gmail.com.

Proceeds to benefit St. Joseph’s Home and the Illinois Governor’s Mansion Association

SPRINGFIELD – The 2018 Official City of Springfield Ornament has been unveiled. The 2018 ornament features the recent renovation of the Governor’s Mansion, the Illinois Bicentennial, and is the 26^th ornament in the City of Springfield series celebrating hometown landmarks and events. This year’s ornament is the result of a partnership between St. Joseph’s Home and the Illinois Governor’s Mansion Association. Proceeds from the sale of the ornament will benefit both non-profit organizations.

Justin Blandford, Curator of the Governor’s Mansion, Springfield Mayor James Langfelder, and Maxine Bergman, Executive Director of St. Joseph’s Home are all expected to participate in the unveiling event.

The Illinois Governor’s Mansion Association is a non-profit group responsible for the two-year renovation project of the Governor’s Mansion, which was funded entirely with private dollars.  The update focused on needed structural repairs and a significant upgrade to the visitor experience. “The People’s House” now showcases Illinois history and art, and is open daily for docent guided tours.

St. Joseph Home is a non-profit nursing home serving the aged and infirmed in the Springfield area for the past 115 years.  The ornament project has been a fundraising and outreach program for St. Joseph’s Home for the past 26 years.  Through the support of generous benefactors, the Home is able to serve residents with compassion and individualized care.

Ornaments are available for purchase ($29) after the unveiling at the Governor’s Mansion, St. Joseph’s Home, and selected Springfield area businesses.

INA, Ill. – Rend Lake College students enrolled in the Heavy Equipment Technology program will have six new pieces of machinery to get their hands on this year, thanks to a donation by John Deere. Through their Engines for Education program, the manufacturing company made their first-ever donation to the college with a transmission and five engines for students to use in their Overhaul and Engine Fuel Systems classes.

RLC President Terry Wilkerson said, “Support like this from our industry partners is invaluable to the education of our students. These pieces of equipment help provide the latest technology for our students to experience real world and hands-on training.”

Learn more about RLC’s Agriculture programs at www.rlc.edu/programs-and-degrees/332-agriculture or by calling 618-437-5321, Ext. 1261.

Pictured is, FROM LEFT, Cody Hutchison (Woodlawn), Thomas Wolf (Odin), Collin Strumpf (Millstadt), Nathan Gates (Du Quoin), Trent Vosholler (Highland), Jordan Eidman (Mascoutah), Hayden Anderson (Columbia), Buddy Gore (Belleville), RLC Maintenance Technician Rodney Summers, Coty Boruff (Bartelso), Kyle Bammer (Belleville), Dale Hoff (Belleville), and RLC Heavy Equipment Technology Associate Professor Zack Vahlkamp.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Illinois Bicentennial Office have announced that 200 veterans that will be honored during the state’s bicentennial celebration.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

DIXON — Some take them scrambled, sunny-side up, or baked in a cookie.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

A western Wisconsin community on Sunday was grieving the deaths of three Girl Scouts and a parent who were collecting trash along a rural highway when police say a pickup truck veered off the road and hit them before speeding away.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

No longer reluctant to speak out, former President Barack Obama delivered a closing argument for Democrats that seeks a firm check on President Donald Trump‘s policies in Tuesday’s midterm elections.

Here’s a link to the story in the Chicago Tribune.

CARBONDALE — For those wondering why parts of Illinois 13 around Carbondale are torn up, officials say it’s for a good reason.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

Just a handful of millionaires and billionaires — including the candidates themselves — have overwhelmingly financed Illinois’ record-setting campaign for governor this year, and that has some worried about the long-term implications for the state.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

CARTERVILLE — John A. Logan College administrators are offering three new agriculture degree programs beginning in fall 2019.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.