Honor Flight Chicago Display

The west display case at the Niles Public Library salutes the Honor Flight Chicago Program. The poster on display welcomed home World War II veteran, Chuck Jacobs, who is also a Niles resident and library employee. Library employee Adrienne Szulczynski served as captain of the library team which met Chuck at Midway Airport upon his return on Wednesday evening, August 10, 2011. Adrienne, who crafted the terrific poster on her own time, is also a Navy veteran. Chuck was the first veteran to be interviewed for the Veterans History Project at the library.



The National AMVETS Silver Helmet is also on display. This "Oscar" of awards to veteran organizations was won by Chicago AMVETS Post #18 for their significant donations to such programs as the Honor Flight. The display of the helmet was made possible by Post Officers William J. Haiman and Richard Hyland.

Charles Jacobs and His Honor Flight

Chuck made his Honor Flight on Wednesday, August 10, catching a dawn flight aboard Southwest Airlines. Upon his 9 p.m. return to Midway Airport, he is pictured with his wife Margaret and sons, Tim, Mark and Chris from left to right. Chuck served as a Pharmacist's Mate, 2nd Class, aboard the USS Sims (DE 154/APD 50) during its service in support of the Okinawa invasion.




Chuck was the first veteran to be interviewed at the Niles Public Library for the Veterans History Project.


Adrienne Szulczynski, pictured on the left, organized the library's welcoming team and crafted the engaging, colorful, tri-fold poster. A Navy veteran herself, she had her picture taken later in the evening with an Officer Zumwalt, a grand nephew of the famous Admiral.

First Veteran Interview Charles Theodore Jacobs