Veteran of the month
(http://www.dailysouthtown.com/news/162424,073nws8.article)
December 7, 2006
By Jim Hook Staff writer
Grover Harper likes to stay busy.
The retired Army sergeant is a strong advocate and mentor for young men and women in JROTC programs across the Southland. The South Holland resident also works with JROTC cadets to coordinate food drives for the homeless.
For his dedication and commitment to helping youth, Harper was honored last week as the State of Illinois' "November Veteran of the Month," which is presented to military veterans "who excel as community activists and work on behalf of other veterans."
Harper served in the Army for 21 years, 14 as a recruiter. He received numerous military awards including the Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, NCO Professional Development Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He was named Recruiter of the Year three times.
Harper is a JROTC assistant instructor at Chicago Vocational High School, a position he has held for eight years. In 2004, he was selected as JROTC Instructor of the Year.
Harper is an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 311 in Matteson and serves as the color guard commander.
He works with Harold Washington Middle School JROTC cadets, who organized a food drive for the homeless. He also organizes and coordinates memorial services for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and supports churches and communities with various recognition ceremonies.
Harper participates in the Toys for Tots ride and the Buffalo Troopers Chicago Motorcycle Club ride to honor fallen and injured soldiers.
Christmas CD
Some of the children of the men and women who died fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan have come together to record a Christmas CD.
Operation Ensuring Christmas, an Orlando-based non-profit organization that aids children of fallen troops, is offering "A Lil Heroes Christmas" CD.
Children across the country sing several traditional Christmas favorites in a fun, pop style on the CD as well as sing the chorus of an original Christmas song. They also sing part of a patriotic American song written especially for them.
Radio stations across the country are adding "A Lil Heroes Christmas" to their playlist.
All proceeds from the sale of the CD will go to OEC and its programs benefiting children. For more information on OEC or to get a copy of the CD, visit www.OpChristmas.org.
Stories sought
The Online Civilian Conservation Corps Museum is looking for stories about the corps, corps enrollees, staff or technical advisors and World War II veterans for publication in this historical resource.
Those who would like to participate are asked to send their stories -- along with their names, company number and location -- to CCC Collection, PO Box 5, Woodbury, N.J., 08096 or e-mail it to JFJmuseum@aol.com.
For more information, call (609) 314-1510 or visit http://members.aol.com/famjustin/ccchis.html.
Scout's effort aids troops
Jacob Hunhoff's determination to become an Eagle Scout has made some American troops very happy.
Hunhoff, 16, a member of Scout Troop 632 in Oak Lawn, placed several collection boxes at locations throughout the area. Through drop-offs and door-to-door collections, the Burbank teen collected about 3,100 pounds of items that he sent in 100 care packages to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Hunhoff also sent 1,300 signed Christmas cards to the troops and collected enough money to mail them.
He was acknowledged recently for his efforts by Mayor Harry Klein during a Burbank City Council meeting.
Fire, police honors
The VFW Bremen Post 2791 in Tinley Park recently honored the village's police and fire departments with plaques in appreciation of their services to the community.
VFW Adjutant Bob Oehmen presented the plaques to the police and fire chiefs during Tuesday night's village board meeting.
© Copyright 2006 Sun-Times News Group | User Agreement and Privacy Policy
http://www.commongroundcommonsense.org/for...2&f=268&t=63998
http://www.commongroundcommonsense.org/for...t&CODE=00&f=104