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

LAGRANGE - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich this evening named and honored life-long Illinoisan James Michael O'Rourke, Sr., who died suddenly on December 23^rd, 2006 at the early age of 49, as the State of Illinois' March "Veteran of the Month" for his undivided commitment and dedication to helping service members and their families throughout Illinois.

 

"All of 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 James O'Rourke, Sr., a man who gave our country over twenty years of combined civilian law enforcement and military service. He was devoted to helping our military heroes and their families and enhanced the quality of life for many," 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) Director L. Tammy Duckworth, IDVA Assistant Director Rochelle Crump presented the O'Rourke family with the award during a special dedication ceremony this evening at the American Legion Hall in LaGrange. 

 

"The ‘Veteran of the Month' award is a way Governor Blagojevich and the Department of Veterans' Affairs can say ‘thank you' to some of the brave men and women who served our country, who fought for our freedoms, and who continue to be committed to their country after their service is up. James O'Rourke, Sr. was a man who dedicated his time serving his country, his comrades and their families. The selflessness he exuded was seen by many throughout the state, and for this, we honor James O'Rourke and present his family with this award," IDVA Director L. Tammy Duckworth said.

James O'Rourke, Sr. was a United States Army and Illinois National Guard veteran who served for 15 years - 3 years with the Army and 12 years with the National Guard.  Mr. O'Rourke, Sr. retired from military service in 1999 as a Lt. Colonel.

 

"It is an honor and befitting to recognize Jim O'Rourke as the Veteran of the Month," said IDVA Assistant Director Rochelle Crump. "Jim demonstrated what "Giving Back" truly means; he was a gleaming example of what people can do to make this world better. His leadership will be missed in the community. He touched the hearts of many veterans and people in general young and old, from all walks of life and he will be remembered for his kind deeds and gentle temperament."

 

After retiring from service, Mr. O'Rourke continued his involvement with the military as the Senior Army Instructor for the JROTC Programs at the Chicago Military Academy-Bronzeville, and at the Nicholas Senn Metro High School. Proudly representing the United States Army, Mr. O'Rourke trained, supervised, and mentored the cadets, spending many after-hours with them, participating in color guards for numerous veterans organizations.

 

Mr. O'Rourke was an Honorary Life Member of the American Legion, serving as the Senior Vice Commander and Post Commander for the Robert E. Coulter, Jr. Post No. 1941.  Later, Mr. O'Rourke served as the Junior Vice Commander, Senior Vice Commander, and Commander for the American Legion Department of Illinois 5^th District.  Mr. O'Rourke also was a member of the Cook County Veterans Commission, the Lincoln's Challenge Academy State Advisory Board, served on the Board of Directors for the National Vietnam Veteran Art Museum, and on the Chicago Armed Forces Council.

 

Although only officially hired in a part-time capacity, Mr. O'Rourke served as the Military Affairs Coordinator for the Illinois State Treasurer as if he were a full-time employee. In this position, he interacted with military and veteran organizations, informing, educating, and promoting many of the Treasurer's programs. He fought to ensure that our deployed soldiers would keep their jobs when they returned from duty. He also volunteered many hours at the United Service Organizations (USO) of Illinois, helping to enhance the quality of life for the service members and their families.

 

Mr. O'Rourke received numerous decorations, medals and badges including: the Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon; Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Pistol; Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar; and Parachutist Badge.

 

Mr. O'Rourke participated in numerous funerals for homeless veterans and for our "Fallen Heroes".  In his hometown of LaGrange, Mr. O'Rourke volunteered as an Auxiliary Police Officer, a Parking Commissioner, and an Usher for the St. Francis Xavier Church.

 

James O'Rourke, Sr. passed away on December 23^rd, 2006, leaving his wife, Kim, his three children, Kelly, James and Sean, and many other family members, friends and loved ones.

 

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 (312) 814-2744 to obtain a list of guidelines and a nomination form.