Sunday, November 25, 2007

Manteno bus trip

WCVA President Martin E. Tully presenting Kathy Dentino of the Manteno Veterans Hospital a check for $8,000.00. This is what WCVA is all about...giving Manteno veterans a better life. This is why veterans enthusiastically join Windy City Veterans...the brotherhood... and the honor of taking care of veterans!

Manteno bus trip

VFW Post 450 Cmdr. Joe Roberts presenting Kathy Dentino of the Manteno Veterans Hospital a check from the VFW Post 450, Alsip IL.

Manteno bus trip

Rich Doyle presenting Kathy Dentino a check for the Manteno Veterans Hospital from the Fr. Perez Knights of Columbus.

Manteno bus trip

Mike Daukus presenting a check from the Oak Lawn Elks to the Manteno Veterans Hospital.

Manteno bus trip

Ken Hiatt, his brother-in law Emiliano and William Schmutz at the Manteno Veterans Hospital.

Manteno bus trip

Vietnam veterans Roy Kwilos and Martin J. Tully at Manteno Veterans Hospital.

Manteno bus trip

WCVA arriving at the beautiful Muenster, IN war memorial. Every veteran was excited to see the newly added memorial to the Manteno bus trip.

Manteno bus trip

The Muenster, IN memorial was awe-inspiring to see. The memorial is dedicated to veterans of every US war. It is a must see for anyone who has served their country or who knows of anyone who has served their country. Each war has it's own unique section to honor those that served.

Manteno bus trip

Mike Graffis' donated brick. It says all that needs to be said...

Manteno bus trip

Ken Hiatt and Mike Graffis looking for the brick Mike donated to the memorial.

Manteno bus trip

VFW Post 450 Cmdr. Joe Roberts walking by the Korean War section of the Muenster, IN memorial.

Manteno bus trip

The UH-1 Huey in the Vietnam War section of the Muenster, IN memorial.

Manteno bus trip

WCVA veterans observing the Vietnam War section of the Muenster, IN memorial.

Manteno bus trip

WCVA's Daniel and Christina Finn reading names of departed soldiers at the Muenster, IN memorial.

Manteno bus trip

WCVA at the Muenster, IN memorial.

Manteno bus trip

Breath-taking beauty...The majestic wall of the Guadalupe memorial in South Chicago.

Manteno bus trip

Nacho providing history to WCVA about the Guadalupe memorial in South Chicago.

Manteno bus trip

WCVA learning the history of the OIF/OEF memorial of VFW Post 450.

Manteno bus trip

Ken Hiatt addressing his legions of fans at the entrance to the bar at VFW Post 450.

Manteno bus trip

Rich Doyle explaining how the WCVA gave the Korean War memorial in Kennedy Park to the community.

Manteno bus trip

"ALL ABOARD!" It's time to return to Danny Boy's. Chris, the bus driver, informed WCVA that he found the trip to being very informative and a lot of fun.

Manteno Bus trip

Ken Hiatt preparing to leave Danny Boy's after a fun-filled day on the bus trip.


Wednesday, November 14, 2007

WCVA's Ken Hiatt and Ray Clause

Korean War veteran Ray Clause and OIF veteran Ken Hiatt proudly display the Hazelgreen School handcrafted album dedicated to veterans. These children put heart and soul into their work and the end result is amazing. You can view the album at the VFW Post 450 in Alsip, IL.
WCVA would like to thank Principal Carin Novak for her commitment to remembering and honoring veterans. Thank you Carin!

Hazelgreen School

Hazelgreen's students were highly motivated at the OEF/OIF Memorial where they presented a handcrafted album to VFW Post #450 to honor the men and women serving their Country. Receiving the album was former VFW Post #450's Cmdr Ray Clause.

WCVA's OIF combat veteran Ken Hiatt

Shown here is proud Purple Heart recipient Ken Hiatt. Ken was a Military Police Sergeant in Iraq. He was wounded while serving overseas in combat. These youngsters were very excited to meet a real life hero and see his well-deserved medal. Thanks for a job well done Ken!

Hazelgreen School

From left to right: Ken Hiatt, Principal of Hazelgreen Carin Novak, President WCVA
Shown here is the American flag from Iraq which was presented by the VFW Post #450 Honor Guard and a beautiful plaque in appreciation of Hazelgreen School's devotion to troops overseas.

Hazelgreen School

This young fifth grader shared a very moving speech which he dedicated to all veterans serving our magnificent Country. He was chosen out of all the students in Hazelgreen for his writing about veterans. He should be very proud!

Hazelgreen School

OEF veteran Martin Tully and OIF veteran Ken Hiatt fielded questions from the children at Hazelgreen concerning the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Between the two combat veterans, the children came away with a deeper appreciation for troops fighting for freedom.

Hazelgreen School

OIF veteran Ken Hiatt addressing the tough questions asked by the students of Hazelgreen. These students really wanted to comprehend what life is like for troops serving overseas. They were inquisitive and extremely attentive to his words.

Windy City Veterans In the Alsip Community

Today Hazelgreen School was honored to have a US flag, which was flown in Iraq by the Army's 4th Cavalry, presented to them by the Honor Guard of the VFW Post #450 and Windy City Veterans. Hazelgreen is a very patriotic school filled with many children who understand the meaning of the word FREEDOM!

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Windy City Veterans meeting 07 Nov 07

At WCVA, you will always find smiling faces and people you can trust. WCVA is a non-profit organization dedicated to making a better life for the Manteno veterans. If you want to be part of a truly unique BROTHERHOOD FOR VETERANS...look no further than WCVA!

Windy City Veterans meeting 07 Nov 07

This new member is Ken Hiatt's brother-in law. Like the Hiatts, he has been attending WCVA meetings and veteran sponsored events since he joined. Thank you Emiliano!

Windy City Veterans meeting 07 Nov 07

At WCVA, our newsletters will keep you informed throughout the meetings. We discuss the issues important to veterans. If you know of an issue, feel free to bring it out into the open.

Windy City Veterans 07 Nov 07

As a member of WCVA , you will encounter genuine people willing to go the extra mile for their fellow veterans.

Windy City Veterans meeting 07 Nov 07

Here are a few of our younger members in WCVA. These two Marines returned from OIF this past year.

Windy City Veterans meeting 07 Nov 07

Canaryville Veterans are fantastic members of WCVA. How many veteran groups do you know bring their own busload of veterans to a fundraiser? Thank you Canaryville Vets!

Windy City Veterans meeting 07 Nov 07

Windy City Veterans are looking for VETERANS for membership. WCVA has veterans from WWII to the present War on Terror. Even if you have served Stateside your entire career...you are welcome to join us.

Windy City Veterans meeting 07 Nov 07

Ken and Stephanie Hiatt...two welcoming faces at Windy City Veterans meetings. Ken and his wife are always willing to help a fellow veteran at short notice.

Windy City Veterans meeting 07 Nov 07

Windy City Veterans are all about veterans. Everything we do is to support the Manteno Veteran's Home. SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!

Windy City Veterans meeting 07 Nov 07

For over twenty years, Martha O'Reilly has been a driving force behind Windy City Veterans. WCVA recently honored her at the Windy City Veterans fundraiser. Thank you Martha!

Windy City Veterans meeting 07 Nov 07

Windy City Veterans meetings are held the first WEDNESDAY of every month at 8pm at Danny Boy's the "Home of the Windy City Veterans."

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Clandestine activities?

Two Vietnam era Windy City veterans...discussing topics ranging from Vietnam to cartoons...all that is known about the talk is a codename called "PETUNIA"

Windy City Veterans on the move.

Here are the fearless warriors and their families marching proudly along Longwood Drive, reminding everyone what sacrifice and honor really means in today's America.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Windy City Veterans speaking to school children.

When asked to speak to grammar school students about war overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan...the Windy City Veterans were glad to assist. President and Ken Hiatt answered the call of duty once again.

Queen of Martyrs statue


Here is the Queen of Martyrs statue of St. Michael. Many people and organizations came out to the unveiling. The Windy City Veterans represented proudly at the ceremony.

WCVA officers in the Community


Anytime, anywhere, anyplace....LOL! The Windy City Veterans will be there for fellow veterans. Here are a few officers (left to right) Treasurer, Vice President and President

Some familiar faces in WCVA

Some friendly faces from OIF you'll meet in Windy City Veterans.

Windy City Vets in the Community


Windy City Veteran's Brendan Roberts delivering his moving Memorial Day speech about sacrifice and duty.

Local VFW Post 450


Photo after ceremony of the OEF/OIF Memorial was unveiled at Local VFW Post 450. NOTE: Pre-wooden sculpture

Photo from Memorial Day


Windy City Veterans preparing to march proudly