3rd District, Department of Illinois, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

District 3 School of Instruction (10 August 2024) Thank you to all the Post that attended. Looking forward to a successful year.

Jonathan Cooper
District Commander
Commander, Post 8821
Asst. State Adjutant

VFW Takes Exception With Service Record Embellishment I have always said those who have raised their right hand to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and donned the military uniform in service to our country deserve our respect. This is why I chose to highlight in a statement yesterday the military service of the vice presidential...

On Aug. 13 from 5 to 6 p.m. CST, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center is hosting a CBOC town hall. If you do not receive a call from around that time, you may call (833) 380-0741. If you have any questions, please email [email protected], or you can call our main number at (312) 569-8387.

Attention all Veterans, Active Military Personnel, National Guard, Reservists, and their families!

Please join the Chicago Vet Center and JBVAMC Women’s Health Program for the Armed Forces Summer Bash next month! This will be a fun day filled with over 20+ resource vendors from Jesse Brown and VA, community partners, kids’ crafts, and food!

Come out to Yukich Field at 8900 S. Kedzie Ave on Friday, August 2nd 10-3pm. We look forward to seeing you there!

Come join us for our annual cookout!
Tickets available in the Bar.

DoD Requiring New ID for Retired Military - MilitarySpot.com JULY 22, 2024 - Beginning in 2026, the legacy Uniformed Services Identification (USID) card will no longer be accepted for access to benefits, privileges,

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Want to bet that this makes the Illinois VFW paper, otherwise known as the national guard gazette

Brig. Gen. Chris Lawson ’88 to be Inducted Oct. 6 During Alumni Impact Awards Ceremony in Mellinger Commons | Prairie Communications, LLC An alumnus who used his ROTC experience at Monmouth College as a springboard to become a brigadier general in the Army will be inducted into the school’s

Women Veteran Standdown & Mini-Retreat Women Veteran Standdown & Mini Retreat Celebration

The "good old boys" rise again. When will it ever end

Will this be in the Illinois VFW newspaper? Every other National Guard promotion is. If this guy joined Coal City Post there would be no doubt it would be there.

GLEN CARBON, IL. OFFICER SELECTED TO COMMAND ILLINOIS NATIONAL GUARD’s 126th AIR REFUELING WING

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Colonel Steven Olson of Glen Carbon has been selected as the next Commander of the Illinois Air National Guard’s 126th Air Refueling Wing based at Scott Air Force Base.

“Colonel Olson has been filling this vital role for several months and already doing a tremendous job,” said Brig. Gen. Dan McDonough, the Assistant Adjutant General – Air of the Illinois National Guard and Commander of the Illinois Air National Guard. “Steve was selected from multiple well-qualified candidates within the state.”

Colonel Olson serves as the 126th Air Refueling Wing Vice Commander, with several prior positions in the 126th Air Refueling Wing including the Operations Group Commander, Air Refueling Squadron Commander, Director of Operations, Director of Training and Deputy Chief of Scheduling. He has also served in wing staff positions including in plans and as the Crisis Action Team Director. In addition, he served as the Commander of the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Andersen AFB, Guam.

“It is very humbling and an honor to be selected as the Wing Commander. I could not have made it to this position alone. From my family to my co-workers, everything we accomplish in the Air Force, we accomplish as a team,” Olson said. “We have an outstanding team here that leads the Air Force in so many ways. For my family, Sara, and our three children; Katelyn, Ryan and Kaylee, I want to thank them personally for allowing me to continue to serve and for supporting me. Their support and sacrifices though out my military career have been amazing.”

General McDonough said the 126th Air Refueling Wing is a top-tier unit thanks to the hard work and dedication of its Airmen.

“The 126th Air Refueling Wing is a high-performing outfit and will continue to excel with the leadership of Colonel Olson,” he said. “Our 126th Air Refueling Wing Airmen set the standard for the entire Air Force. The wing has the highest KC-135 mission capable rate and most recently was awarded the 2023 Verne Orr Award.”

The U.S. Air Force Association’s Verne Orr Award was named in honor of former Secretary of the Air Force Verne Orr and recognizes an Air Force unit that makes the most effective use of its human resources.

Colonel Olson will be responsible for the 126th Air Refueling Wing’s approximately 800 Airmen and for the wing’s eight KC-135R aircraft. The wing executes worldwide air refueling and airlift operations and supports a wide range of plans. The wing is well known for their excellence. In 2021, the wing received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the third time in a row and the 10th time total. The award is designated for units that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units.

Colonel Olson attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He began his military career as a KC-135 Boom Operator at Fairchild Air Force Base prior to transferring into the 126th Air Refueling Wing at Scott Air Force Base. He graduated from the Academy of Military Science and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 2003. Upon receiving his commission, Colonel Olson attended undergraduate pilot training. His initial flying assignment was to the 108th Air Refueling Squadron, 126th Air Refueling Wing, in 2005 as a KC-135E pilot.

Hello Comrades,

Here is an update on District Commander Chris Garza. The surgery to remove the mass in his arm was a success. I spoke to him shortly after surgery while he was in recovery. He will be staying overnight at the VA for observation and should be released tomorrow. He thanks everyone for the prayers and encouragement. He said he will provide an update once he's home and resting.

In True Comradeship,
Jonathan Cooper,
Commander, PFC Ted Stempien Post 8821
SR Vice Commander, Third District

Mel Tillis -- Stateside Mel Tillis -- Stateside

Funeral information for Michael LaRocco:

https://baronsburials.com/michael-v-larocco

Baron's Burials Michael V LaRocco. Beloved husband of 54 years to Kathleen J (nee Piwowar). Loving father of Michael (Lindsey Brashler) LaRocco. Dearest Papa of Oscar, Domenic, and Sidney. Dear brother of Peter (Cheryl) LaRocco, Philip (Debbie) LaRocco, the late Donald (Rosalie) LaRocco, and brother-in-law of James...

It is with sad news for me to inform everyone that our Brother, friend, comrade past Post and District Commander Mike LaRocco passed away last night.

Youth Scholarships If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $30,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.

https://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care/disability-compensation-for-presumptive-conditions.html/amp

Disability Compensation for Presumptive Conditions Some medical conditions may be considered service connected if they become at least 10% disabling within certain time limits