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

WHEELING- Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today named Anthony Altieri Jr., of Wheeling as the State of Illinois' October "Veteran of the Month" for his commitment and dedication to his local community, the state and other Veterans for over 25 years.  Mr. Altieri Jr. has been a true advocate for Veterans through his longtime service with AMVETS, fundraising for Veterans rehabilitation programs and helping highlight the sacrifice Veterans made by making sure their efforts are recognized.

 

"Not only do Veterans bravely serve our country in defense of our freedom but many of them, like Anthony Altieri Jr., keep working on behalf of others in service to their community," said Gov. Blagojevich.  "Mr. Altieri Jr. continues to serve this country devoting his time to serving Veterans in Illinois.  For his continued dedication and service, we honor and thank him."

 

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) Director Tammy Duckworth presented Mr. Altieri Jr. with the award during a special ceremony at the Phillips Carpenter AMVETS Post 66 in Wheeling. 

 

"Today we honor Mr. Altieri Jr., a devoted Veteran both in and out of uniform, with the ‘Veteran of the Month' award for his commitment to the community and for all that he continues to do for others," said Director Duckworth.  "This is an award that Governor Blagojevich and the Department of Veterans' Affairs implemented to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation for the brave men and women who have served their country in uniform and then continue to serve their community and Mr. Altieri Jr. exemplifies those goals."

Anthony Altieri Jr. was a member of the Illinois Army National Guard for eight years, when he was honorably discharged in1963, holding the rank of Sergeant E-5.

 

After returning home to Wheeling from the service, Mr. Altieri Jr. decided he did not want to stop serving his country, so he chose to continue to better the lives of those around him.  He retired from his civilian job as a Senior Mechanical Designer in 2001 in order to devote even more of his time to serving Veterans and his community. 

 

Mr. Altieri Jr. is a true advocate and leader for the Veteran community.  He has served in several elective and appointive offices for AMVETS in Illinois and presently serves as the National Executive Committeeman for Illinois to the National Department.  He has received many awards over the years for his dedication and devotion to AMVETS and was recently selected as the "AMVET of the Year" for the state of Illinois.  Mr. Altieri Jr. has been a delegate from his local AMVETS post to the National Convention for over ten years and has held several national committee appointments for several years. 

 

Mr. Altieri Jr. is currently Chairman of several committees that serve various populations in need, including hospitalized Veterans; children with special needs; Veterans with special needs; homeless Veterans; and a special post committee that secures sweat t-shirts, scarves and equipment for members of the armed forces in Iraq.  He also has served on the committee that holds an annual picnic for hospitalized Veterans from five VA hospitals for the past ten years.

 

Anthony Altieri Jr. has spearheaded and organized numerous events for the local Veterans and community including bingo and pizza parties; holiday meals for hospitalized Veterans; distribution of gifts; Memorial Day services; and the 4^th of July Parade.  He even helped to secure funds for an 18-hole miniature golf course for the patients at the North Chicago VA Hospital, enhancing the rehabilitation program for the patients. 

 

Every year, Mr. Altieri Jr., helps to organize "Thank You Day" for the North Chicago VA Hospital employees, as a way to thank them for their dedication and service to the state's Veterans.  He works to put together a special booth set up where BBQ, goodies, and ice cream is served free of charge to the hospital employees and staff.

 

For the past ten years, Mr. Altieri Jr. has served as the Commander and Chairman of his Post's bingo committee that holds a bingo party the third Wednesday of each month at the North Chicago VA Hospital, arranging to have refreshments served and clothing, shoes, jackets, and other materials for the patients.  On Thanksgiving Day Mr. Altieri Jr. invites Navy recruits and hospitalized Veterans from the North Chicago VA for a complete Thanksgiving dinner and day long celebration.  

 

Throughout the last decade, Mr. Altieri Jr. has been instrumental in securing substantial donations and grants to community based organizations, schools, ROTC programs, VA facilities, activities and equipment, like special buses, electric wheelchairs, computers for ICU, and funding of monthly bingo games.  He is a regular visitor to the North Chicago VA Hospital where he has volunteered over 8,500 hours, unselfishly spending his time and energy to enhance the lives of the wounded or sick. 

 

Anthony Altieri Jr. was born on August 13, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois.  He has been married to his wife Kathy for 16 years and together they have seven children.

 

The "Veteran of the Month" award highlights the work of community activists who are also 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 IDVA at (312) 814-5391 to obtain a list of guidelines and a nomination form.