Honored Veterans
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Honored Veterans
Squadron VF 154 (Black Knights)
Vietnam (1972-1973)
Vietnam (1972-1973)
In the U.S.Army from 1967 to 1970
Vietnam (1968-1969)
Vietnam (1968-1969)
Bob Bollman enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War in April 1951 and served on the flight deck of the Aircraft Carrier, Roosevelt CVB-42 in the Atlantic Fleet for three years. Mr. Bollman transferred to a helicopter squadron in Lakehurst, New Jersey in 1954 until discharged in April 1955.
Paul Chen was nominated and elected Veteran of the Month for the State of Illinois in June 2009. Paul proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1974-1977. Paul has continued to serve his country and veterans in several ways through volunteerism. Paul is currently a member of the Tom E. Hartung American Legion Post 1977 in New Lenox. Paul is a member of the Posts Color Guard, and a member of the Executive Committee.Paul is a structural ironworker. When Paul was working at Chicago O'Hare Airport, he would see military personnel coming home or being deployed on a regular basis. He would make a point to meet them, thank them and shake their hands. Paul also handed out phone cards to these men and women so that they can keep in contact with family and friends.
In October of 2001, Paul and his wife Kim started the We Care Program along with several other Post members. They would contact the families of the military personnel, get their addresses and send them care packages. This program was funded by Post 1977.
Paul has personally delivered countless Blue Star banners and Blue Star pins, and unfortunately some Gold Star Banners.
On Saturday, March 28, Paul and Kim were driving when they heard of the funeral service for Sgt. Christopher Abeyta who was killed when a bomb exploded near his vehicle while serving in Afghanistan. Paul and Kim were on their way to the American Legion for a fundraiser. Without saying a word Paul took a flag and said he would be back shortly. The following day phone calls from friends were coming in informing Paul that he was in the Chicago Tribune and SouthtownStar. There was Paul saluting and holding the flag. The caption read as follows a man salutes with a flag from an overpass on Interstate 80 near New Lenox as the funeral procession heads to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Well, that man is Paul Chen.
Every year Paul travels to Springfield, IL to guard the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, and continues to volunteer and donate his time to veterans. While at the Bass Pro Store in Springfield, MO Paul was shopping when an employee noticed he was wearing his POW hat he thanked Paul for his service. He then told Paul of his son being in the service. Paul asked the gentleman to wait there as he would be right back. Well Paul went to his truck to retrieve a Blue Star banner and pin and gave it to this man. In return this employee had a hat embroidered with Post 1977, the American flag, and the Navy symbol. Paul was shocked and wears that hat proudly.
These are just a few things that make Paul a true patriot.
Maj. US Army
Veteran Desert Storm 90-91, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan 08-09
Currently Serving
Veteran Desert Storm 90-91, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan 08-09
Currently Serving
Served in the United States Marine Corp. from 1968 to 1972. He was trained at Camp Pendleton California, then went to Turkey for a short time, then sent to Jacksonville, Florida from there he was sent to North Carolina until he was discharged. He was to be sent to Vietnam but his orders were changed at the last minute. He was trained to be a tail gunner for a helicopter.
Served in Army during Vietnam War, stationed in Korea from 1967-1969.
Deceased 4-15-08.
Deceased 4-15-08.
Enlisted in the Navy on April 6, 1960
Discharged October 9, 1963
E5 2nd Class Torpedoman
USS Bugara SS331 (WWII-era Diesel Submarine)
July 1961 to October 1963
I am an active United States Submarine Veterans - Chicago Base member.
Discharged October 9, 1963
E5 2nd Class Torpedoman
USS Bugara SS331 (WWII-era Diesel Submarine)
July 1961 to October 1963
I am an active United States Submarine Veterans - Chicago Base member.
Staff Sergeant
Served in U.S. Marine Corps 3/51 - 3/57 Of that time, served one year in Korea Was an Inspector Instructor for 2 years at Northwestern University.
Served in U.S. Marine Corps 3/51 - 3/57 Of that time, served one year in Korea Was an Inspector Instructor for 2 years at Northwestern University.
Major Charles Loverude serves in U.S. Army and is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
was the embodiment of a true American patriot. He was a Vietnam Navy veteran, serving aboard the USS Benjamin Stoddert DDG-22 in 1972. Its crew became the last U.S. military service members to leave Vietnam after the fall of Saigon. After his tour of duty in Nam, Frank never forgot what it was like to defend the innocents, with little recognition from many in our country. He made it a point to always thank any soldier for their service and sacrifice. Frank was a charter member of Brothers Not Forgotten, a small group of Nam vets from all branches of the military, and several states, whose motto is "Honoring all Vietnam veterans. You will never be forgotten".
In March of 2016, Frank was diagnosed with lung cancer. In July, he had a PTSD episode while in the ICU, which resulted in him having a massive stroke. Frank fought a valiant fight and took the hill many a time, but his mission was accomplished, and he was called Home on August 13, 2016.
Frank was raised as an only child. He always wanted a big family and finally got his wish. On August 29, 2016, he was laid to rest with full Naval military honors at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, amidst 45,000 brothers and sisters in arms.
Joe Nastepniak came to the United States from Germany. He arrived in Chicago legally and sponsored. He received a draft notice into the United States Army and he wanted to go. He was shipped overseas to Frankfort, Germany and they asked, how did you get here? Joe showed them his draft papers and they said, stand on this box of dirt and we will make you a citizen. He did and then served two years in Germany alongside a General. His ability to fluently speak German and knowledge of the country was put to good use. He also had knowledge of the underground sites and they put Joe in the explosives division.
Mr. Nastepniak just turned 90 years old and has lived in New Lenox since 1973. He was a Mason and a general contractor in New Lenox for many years.
Mr. Nastepniak just turned 90 years old and has lived in New Lenox since 1973. He was a Mason and a general contractor in New Lenox for many years.
She was raised in New Lenox. She attended Preschool-12, graduating from Lincoln-Way Central HS on June 7, 2006. SR Paradise, Kristel, R enlisted in the Navy in March 2006 in the Delayed Entry Program. Kristel left on Sept. 19, 2006, to Recruit Training Command Naval Station Great Lakes. She was in Division #407 on Ship #14. Her Recruit Graduation, also known as Pass-In-Review, was on Nov. 22, 2006.
US Army. 1966-1968
Ragan, William R. U.S. Navy
Enlisted: April 1, 1952
Honorable Discharge: March 30, 1956
Good Conduct Medal
China Service Medal (Extended)
National Defense Service Medal
Served on USS Regulus (AF-57)
Enlisted: April 1, 1952
Honorable Discharge: March 30, 1956
Good Conduct Medal
China Service Medal (Extended)
National Defense Service Medal
Served on USS Regulus (AF-57)
Radar Observer
Served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. Attended Navigation school in Hondo, Texas.
Served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. Attended Navigation school in Hondo, Texas.
SPC David Schutt is a graduate of Alex M. Martino Jr. High and Lincoln-Way Central High School, class of 2006. He enlisted in the army in January 2009. After completing basic training in June of 2009, he completed his first assignment at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. There, he completed training which included driver training and basic medical certification at various locations, including the Pohakaloa Training Center on the big island of Hawaii and the National training center in the Mohave Desert, California. During this time he also gained certification to operate unmanned air vehicles (UAVs).David deployed to Iraq in June of 2010 where he assisted with OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) and transitioned into OND (Operation New Dawn) throughout Diyala province, Iraq. This was a crucial turning point in our efforts in the Middle East. His unit, 1 21 infantry battalion also known as the "Gimlets" out of the 25th ID "infantry division", helped to restructure and train the Iraqi Army to prepare them to defend themselves. David worked oneon and tactics. with Iraqi soldiers covering basic infantry skills Currently, David is preparing to attend WLC (Warrior Leaders Course) in Hawaii. This month long training will prepare him for promotion to sergeant, and develop his skills as a leader. David just reenlisted to serve four more years, where he will be assigned to the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment in Washington D.C. The 3rd U.S. Infantry, traditionally known as "The Old Guard," is the oldest activeduty infantry unit in the Army, serving our nation since 1784. "The Old Guard" is the Army's official ceremonial unit and escort to the President, and it also provides security for Washington, D.C., in time of national emergency or civil disturbance.
Guy A. Sell
United States Air Force
1953-1957
United States Air Force
1953-1957
SargentRonald Wayne Slick Sgt.T/5 US Army 36 376 362 was born August 19, 1921 in Carroll Co., Freedom Town, IL. Spent two years with the Civilian Conservation Core., Then moved to New Lenox, IL in 1939-was employed by Otto Bormet garage, then Joliet Arsenal prior to enlistment on Sept 25, 1942. He was K/in/Action WW2 February 20, 1945 in Germany, Served in Company D, 712 Tank Battalion; attached to the 90th infantry, 3rd Army under Command of General Patton Jr as a Tank Driver at time of death. Buried February 1945, Foy, Belgium until 04/16/1949 then, Maplewood Cemetery, New Lenox, IL.
David N Smith. LTJG. USNAGraduated from LWC 2010
US Naval Academy 2014
Served on the USS Illinois from 2017-2019
1st Lieutenant
Served in the US Army from March, 1944 to March, 1946. Was stationed in France as a Nurse Anesthetist.
Served in the US Army from March, 1944 to March, 1946. Was stationed in France as a Nurse Anesthetist.
Thomas Edward Zolecki was drafted by the Army at the age of 21 in October, 1965. He served through 1967. Mr. Zolecki did his basic training in Fort Knox, Kentucky and his Army engineers training at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He was assigned to NIKE missile site in Munster, Indiana to manage the power for underground missiles protecting Chicago. His final rank was Specialist E4.