Gov. Blagojevich announces State of Illinois' January "Veteran of the Month"

JACKSONVILLE - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today named Edward N. Wright as the State of Illinois' January "Veteran of the Month" for his longtime commitment and dedication to helping veterans in the Jacksonville and the surrounding area.

"Our veterans deserve to be respected and honored for their commitment and service to our country.  And those veterans who continue this kind of commitment after their service, should be recognized - like Edward Wright, who continues to work on behalf of others and helps to improve the quality of life for our military heroes," said Gov. Blagojevich.

The Governor's "Veteran of the Month" award is a distinction that is given monthly to military veterans who excel as community activists and work on behalf of other veterans.  On behalf of the Governor and Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Acting Director L. Tammy Duckworth, IDVA Assistant Director Rochelle Crump presented Mr. Wright with the award during a special ceremony at the American Veterans (AMVETS) Post #100 in Jacksonville. 

Edward N. Wright is a United States Air Force veteran who served in the Korean War and retired in 1973 with the Defense Investigation Service.

"Illinois is very lucky to have such wonderful veterans who, after putting their lives on the line for our country, continue to be dedicated and committed to serving their community and the state of Illinois. This award is a way Governor Blagojevich and the Department of Veterans' Affairs can say ‘thank you' to these brave men and women," IDVA Acting Director L. Tammy Duckworth said.

"Presenting the Veteran of the Month award on behalf of our Governor and the Director is an honor. It gives me the opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to Mr. Wright for not only serving his country for 20 years, but his leadership and choice to continue serving community veterans. There are so many silent heroes across the state of Illinois and I encourage all citizens to nominate them for this prestigious recognition of being Veteran of the Month," added IDVA Assistant Director Rochelle Crump. 

For the past two decades, Wright has been an active and committed member of AMVETS. At AMVETS, Wright has held numerous positions: Junior Vice Commander; Senior Vice Commander, the Commander's position on a Post level; Junior Vice Commander, Division III; Senior Vice Commander, Division III; Vice Commander of Programs and the Americanism Chairman, Division III; and currently is the Illinois State Vice Commander of Membership. Wright also served on the National Membership and Diversity Committee. Wright has also been a member of the Jacksonville Elks Club for the last four years.

Wright is a loyal and dedicated volunteer to the Jacksonville area veterans.  He continually visits the local nursing homes and assists veterans in the Jacksonville community by providing them with information and referrals for available resources and benefits. He also has volunteered at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, the largest of the state's veterans' homes. Eight years ago, Wright spearheaded an AMVETS Christmas Basket Program for the Jacksonville area veterans, where baskets of food were distributed to the veterans.

In addition to his voluntary commitment to the local veterans, Wright has been heavily involved with the Pathway School in Jacksonville, a school for children with disabilities. He currently serves on the Pathway School's Board of Directors.

Edward N. Wright has a wife, Nancy, 12 children and 17 grandchildren.

The "Veteran of the Month" award highlights the work of community activists who also happen to be military veterans.  Each month, on behalf of Governor Blagojevich, the Department recognizes a different person or group that contributes to the betterment of communities across the state of Illinois.  To nominate a "Veteran of the Month," please visit IDVA's website at www.state.il.us/agency/dva or call (217) 524-0629 to obtain a list of guidelines and a nomination form.