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

FREEPORT - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today named Gary Eisenhower, Sr. of Freeport as the State of Illinois' February "Veteran of the Month" for his longtime commitment and dedication to helping veterans in Stephenson County.

 

"Illinois is home to thousands of veterans who continue to be committed to our country and its people, after their service is complete. Gary is one of these extraordinary veterans.  He has dedicated many years of selfless service for the veterans in Stephenson County and continues to help 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, Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Acting Director L. Tammy Duckworth and IDVA Assistant Director Rochelle Crump presented Mr. Eisenhower with the award during a special ceremony at the state's Veterans Service Office in Freeport. 

 

Gary Eisenhower Sr. is a United States Army Vietnam War veteran who was deployed to the Republic of South Vietnam in 1967 and was honorably discharged the following year. For the past two decades, Mr. Eisenhower has been an active and committed member of the Allied Veterans Council (AVC) of Stephenson County and VietNow, working pro-actively in maintaining the vital functions of both organizations.

 

"Gary Eisenhower, Sr. is an exceptional Illinois veteran, who continues to dedicate his time serving his state and community.  I am proud to present Mr. Eisenhower with this award on behalf of Governor Blagojevich and the Department of Veterans' Affairs, as a way to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation for all he has done and continues to do," IDVA Acting Director L. Tammy Duckworth said.

 

"My personal congratulation goes to Mr. Eisenhower on being selected. We encourage the community to identify other heroes for nomination," added IDVA Assistant Director Rochelle Crump. 

 

Serving as the Secretary-Treasurer, President and now Board Member of the AVC, Mr. Eisenhower has helped reorganize and spearhead Memorial Day Parades in Freeport, organized funeral burial teams, and directed and written grants to implement the Allied Veterans Van Services - a service that provides free transportation for veterans to the Madison VA Hospital.

 

In 1988, Mr. Eisenhower became the president of Freeport Chapter of VietNow.  As president, Mr. Eisenhower organized and directed fund-raising for free van transportation for veterans in need of medical assistance, helping to raise over $10,000 each year for the past twelve years for the van service.  He currently serves as the national director of VietNow Headquarters in Rockford, Illinois.

 

Mr. Eisenhower was the first official president of the All Veterans Memorial Park (AVMP) Organization of Stephenson County.  He served as director in 2005 and since 2006, has served as a board member.  Already donating over 600 hours of his time, Mr. Eisenhower continues to volunteer to complete the construction of AVMP. 

 

In addition, Mr. Eisenhower is a devoted member of American Veterans (AMVETS) Post #32, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #998, and the McConnell American Legion Post #1225.

 

On Memorial Day weekend of 1999, Dan Steele, a Desert Storm veteran from Freeport, unexpectedly passed away from a Gulf War Illness.  In honor of Dan Steele, Mr. Eisenhower contacted Congressman Don Manzullo and pushed for legislation to help ailing veterans suffering from Gulf War Syndrome.  Thanks to Mr. Eisenhower and others, the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001 was signed in early 2002, allowing more sick veterans to qualify for disability compensation by expanding the list of eligible illnesses and codifying 13 possible symptoms.

 

For years, Mr. Eisenhower has been committed to serving the veterans of Stephenson County, establishing a veterans' outreach clinic in Freeport, and implementing Veteran's Day services.  Mr. Eisenhower is currently working to establish a Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) in Stephenson County and a master database that lists all veterans living in the county.  

 

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.