Richard E. "Hap" Northern, US Army Korean Veteran Honored As The Illinois Veteran of the Year

Springfield - With a professional lifetime of service beginning in 1948 as a young enlisted soldier in the Illinois National Guard, Richard E. “Hap” Northern was named as the first Illinois Veteran of the Year in a ceremony on Veterans Day at the Illinois State Fair, with Governor Bruce Rauner and Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Erica L. Jeffries presenting the honors. 

“Hap Northern represents all that is good and right with our Illinois Veterans,” said Governor Rauner. “He has served - in war and in peace, in leadership roles and as a consummate follower and supporter. He’s given so much of himself to his community, the state, and his fellow veterans - we are grateful.”

Northern enlisted on June 23, 1948 and held every rank from Private to Sergeant Major, serving in the Korean War (1952-53) in Seoul, South Korea.  He was commissioned in 1955 and rose to the rank of Brig. Gen. by 1977, being selected as the Illinois State Director, Selective Service System.  He retired from the National Guard in 1987, and focused his efforts on his civilian occupations, his family and his community. 

“I am honored for this opportunity to meet Hap Northern, “said Erica Jeffries, Director, IDVA. “He represents the very best of what our veterans give to our state and the nation, and bring back with them from service.  He’s been a soldier, a leader, a public servant, and focused on helping people.  He’s amazing.”

When not conducting National Guard missions, he was a key contributor in Illinois.  He served at the Illinois Veterans Home at Quincy as the Administrator for 21 years, after seven years as Chief of Security.  Additionally he served as a Secretary of State License Examiner for three years.  He solely owned and operated Northern Realty for 52 years.  He retired from his civilian career in January 1995. Northern was born in Quincy, IL and married Shirlee Joann Bankson of Denver, Colorado, there in Nov. 21, 1958.  Their two children Natalie Di Ann and Richard Eugene II were present for the ceremony.  Northern was widowed on Oct. 13, 1994 and still resides in Quincy, where he is active in his community.

He is a Life member of the American Legion, Past Commander of American Legion Post #37, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Veterans, Elks, Reserve Officer Association, National Guard Association of the United States, National Guard Association of Illinois, and Korean War Veterans Association.  As a Mason he was bestowed a 33rd Degree Mason in 2000. He is a member of the Quincy Consistory, Quincy Shrine Club, and Illinois Police Association.  He was President of the Quincy Jaycees, National Director of the United States Jaycees, President of the National Association of State Veterans Homes of the United States, and Fund Chairman for local community organizations: Red Cross, Community Chest, and Cancer Fund.  He was named Executive of the Year in 1973.

He is a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces; Gem City College, Quincy; and Quincy Senior High School, in addition to significant military education and training.

His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Citation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze stars, United Nations Service Medal, The Selective Service System Exceptional Service Award, Illinois Distinguished Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Guard Long & Honorable Service Medal, National Guard Perfect Attendance Medal, and Illinois State Active Duty Medal (3 times).

Governor Bruce Rauner and IDVA Director Erica L. Jeffries presented Northern a framed proclamation naming him Illinois Veteran of the Year, and an Illinois State flag. Northern was nominated by Mark Patterson of Springfield for this honor. 

The Illinois Veteran of the Year highlights and honors Illinois veterans whose contributions in service to the veteran community and their local communities are truly above and beyond. Nominees are evaluated on the basis of their leadership, dedication, innovation, and impact in serving these communities. Recipients are those whose efforts add to the powerful narrative that veterans are dedicated, lifelong public servants from whose efforts all of Illinois' communities stand to benefit. In contributing to this narrative through their service to veteran and local communities, the recipients not only impact the lives of those they serve, but also the overall advocacy effort for Illinois veterans. 

Please contact Ryan Yantis, communication manager, IDVA, ryan.yantis@illinois.gov or 312-814-0778 with any question concerning the IDVA.