Niles-Park Ridge VFW Post 3579 May 30 ,2018 Memorial Day Observance

Post Commander Frank Merkendorfer presided at the moving annual ceremony conducted by the Post in cooperation with the Village of Niles at 11am at the Niles Memorial Waterfall Plaza. Mayor Andrew Przyblo, visible to Frank's left, spoke of the fallen warriors as being " "blessed as peacemakers." Fire Chief, Martin Feld, also spoke eloquently as did a representative of the Police Department before the rifle salute and taps bought the program to a close. Local heroes and Veterans History Project participants present were John Bugajsky, Tom Davidson, Bette Horstman,  Dennis Nilsson, and Matthew Wojtaszek.  Niles Village trustees Denise McCreevey, Danette O'Donovan Matyas and Dean Strzelecki,were also in attendance as was former trustee Louella Preston.

"The Odyssey of Echo Company" Captures SMA Award

Writer Doug Stanton was recognized by the Society of Midland Authors at their annual banquet on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, when they presented him with their 2018 Best Adult Nonfiction  award.
His book on the "1968 Tet offensive and the epic battle to survive the Vietnam War" is available in the collection of the Niles-Maine District Library on the 3rd floor at 959.70434 S792. SMA President Thomas Frisbie  presided and author-journalist Mary Wisniewski served as  Master of Ceremonies for the Society's 2018 Book Awards in recognition of best books published in 2017.

Tuskeegee Airman Virgil Poole of Glenwood Needs Help

A follower of this blog has sent this link to the Channel Five story describing the war hero's plight as he faces foreclosure on his home in Glenwood, Illinois.

He also pointed out this link to a community appeal to help Mr. Poole.

Mr. Poole is a member of the Chicago "DODO" Chapter of the Tuskeegee Airmen.