29 January 2019
Shiloh Purple Heart Community
Shiloh, IL, recently signed a proclamation designating Shiloh as a Purple Heart Community.
Hayes-Krell Chapter 159 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart will be hosting the 4th Annual Purple Heart Ceremony on August 4, 2019, at 1:00 PM at the Illinois State War Memorial Site at Oak Ridge Cemetary, 1441 Monument Ave, Springfield, IL 62702
The 81st Annual Department of Illinois Meeting of the Military Order of the Purple Heart was held May 5th, 2019 in Oaklawn, Ilinois.
The election of new State Officers included two members of Chapter 159, Pete Dowding was elected to the position of Jr. Vice-Commander and Dan Wellman was appointed as the Legislative Laison.
Shiloh, IL, recently signed a proclamation designating Shiloh as a Purple Heart Community.
The Chapter had five members nominated for the "Bicentennial 200" celebration that took place December 3rd at the Navy Pier in Chicago. 200 veterans from across the State were selected for their continued service to veterans and their communities. Pictured from (L) to (R) are Dale Hunter, WW II, Vince Speranza, WW II, Eric Murphy, War on Terror, Joe Schaler, Vietnam. Not pictured is Tom Reynolds, Vietnam.
One of the Chapter's new members is Vince Speranza from Auburn. Vince served in the Army and participated in the Battle of the Bulge where he was wounded. Vince was awarded the Purple Heart and among many other awards he also received the French Legion Medal of Merit.
Governor Rauner (Il.) is being presented a 'Proud Purple Heart Supporter' patch by Commander Schaler of Chapter 159, Springfield, Il. prior to the 'Ride in Honor'. Governor Rauner signed the Proclamation making Illinois a Purple Heart State as well as contributing to the Chapters Purple Heart monument at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
3rd Annual Purple Heart ceremony was held at Oak Ridge Cemetery. One of the speakers was Rep. Tim Butler, also shown Emcee Katie Spindell and Jr Vice Commander Pete Dowding.
Auxiliary President Melanie Schaler and Secatery Kathy Stephens were named the top recruiters in the United States!
June of 2017 in the Logan County Courthouse Rotunda all the City Mayors and Village Presidents of Logan County gathered together and declared their communities as Purple Heart Communities. Logan County is the only County in the Country to have accomplished this honor.
Chapter 159 Schaler along with his wife Melanie Auxiliary President and Junior Vice Commander Dowding participated in the groundbreaking ceremony at Oak Ridge cemetery for the new Gold Star Family Moument. Woody Williams,(center) WW II Marine and last Medal of Honor survivor of Iwo Jima has dedicated much of his life to building these memorials across America. Woody was honored at Super Bowl 52 by doing the pregame coin toss. Pictured also is the Event Cordinator Katie Spindell.
The beginning of the renovation of the All Veterans Park in Lincoln with the installation of new flag poles and adding the POW -MIA and Purple Heart flag. Lincoln is a Purple Heart Community. A new sign and reseting the memorial bricks will resume in the Spring of 2018.
Pfc. Andrew Richard's a Marine from Elkhart was killed in Vietnam June of 67. His medals including his Purple Heart were lost and the State Treasurer office located it in an abandoned safety deposit box. The staff was able to locate his niece Jane and Commander Schaler joined Secretary Frerichs in a ceremony to return the medals at the State Capitol.