WCVA's CPT Kristen Schenkel

CPT Schenkel is proudly serving in Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom. She is also a proud member of the Windy City Veterans Association. Please remember to keep her and our other WCVA members in your thoughts and prayers as the War on Terror continues on.

WCVA's CPT Kristen Schenkel

CPT Schenkel and fellow soldiers serving in Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom. They are assigned to the "Screaming Eagles" 101st Airborne Division. Please remember them in your thoughts and prayers.

WCVA's CPT Kristen Schenkel

CPT Schenkel is currently serving overseas in Operation Enduring Freedom. She is assigned to the "Screaming Eagles" 101st Airborne Division. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

31st Annual Memorial Day Parade

31st Annual Memorial Day Parade 2008: President WCVA Martin E. Tully with USMC Marine Gunnery Sergeant Brian Schiller. Brian was this year's Parade Marshall. The children pictured

wanted to have their picture taken with Brian.

The atmosphere at today's parade was filled with patriotism and espirit de corps. The weather was warm, sunny and beautiful...a perfect day to remember our FALLEN brothers and sisters.

God Bless ALL veterans everywhere. ALL GAVE SOME...SOME GAVE ALL.

31st Annual Memorial Day Parade

From left to right: WCVA members Mike Daukus, Mike Graffis, Ken Hiatt, Gino Kurelic Sr., Ian Kingsley, Dan Scannell, Mc Cullough, Pete Kelly and Brendan Roberts.

31st Annual Memorial Day Parade

From left to right: WCVA members Mike Daukus, Mike Graffis, Martin E. Tully, Gino Kurelic Sr., Ken Hiatt, Ian Kingsley, Dan Scannell, Mc Cullough, Pete Kelly and Brendan Roberts.

31st Annual Memorial Day Parade

From left to right: WCVA members Gino Kurelic Sr., Ian Kingsley, Joe Roberts, Martin Tully and Ed Larsen waiting to board the trolley to head back to Danny Boy's.

31st Annual Memorial Day Parade

WCVA members Joe Roberts and Ed Larsen waiting to board the trolley to take them back to Danny Boy's.

31st Annual Memorial Day Parade

WCVA members Barney O'Reilly, Gino Kurelic Sr. and Martin Tully waiting for the trolley to head back to Danny Boy's.

31st Annual Memorial Day Parade

WCVA members Thomas Alfred and Ray Unger patiently waiting for the trolley to take them back to Danny Boy's.

VFW 450 Memorial Day Service

Welcome to the VFW Post 450 Memorial Day service. The service included a huge motorcycle escort by various motorcycle clubs, speeches from many important leaders of Veterans issues, Marine Corps League Color Guard, the Emerald Society, 122nd Artillery Division 105mm Howitzer, releasing of doves and a 300ft flyover of a UH Huey "rebuilt" Vietnam helicopter. Thank you all WCVA members who attended. Your support was appreciated. Thank you to all who made the service a memorable experience. Thank you "Rambo" and staff who provided delicious food and drink.
Remember our troops currently serving overseas and above all NEVER FORGET those who did not return.

VFW 450 Memorial Day Service

Many guests spoke at the VFW 450 Memorial Day service. Also contributing to the service was the Emerald Society of the Chicago Police Department. Their bagpipes brought about many heartfelt smiles from onlookers everywhere.

VFW 450 Memorial Day Service

Today at the VFW Post 450 Memorial Day Service many people listened to the patriotic words of IDVA L. Tammy Duckworth as she reminded everyone to remember the fallen. It was a beautiful day filled with emotion and honor.

VFW 450 Memorial Day Service

Motorcycle escorts for the Memorial Day service. Thank you American Knights, Illinois Freedom Riders's Patriot Guard, American Lawmen and any other motorcycle escort who attended. It was a very special day for all who attended.

VFW 450 Memorial Day Service

Bridget and Marty Jr. with VFW Post 450's Mike Graffis and Joe Roberts. Mike did a superb job taking care of logistics and communication for the extremely successful Memorial Day service. Kudos to you Mike!

VFW 450 Memorial Day Service

VFW Post 450 member "Rambo", Melissa, Bridget and Marty Jr. having some laughs at the Memorial Day service. "Rambo" was the grill master for the ceremony.

VFW 450 "Welcome Home" Picnic

Far right: New WCVA member Brian Conrad and his friends Mark and Julie proudly attending the VFW Post 450 "Welcome Home" picnic for veterans. Brian is a USMC veteran of OIF.

Southside Irish Parade 2008

WCVA veterans who are unable to walk the distance of the parade, proudly rode in the trolley and excited the cheering crowds. Among the WCVA veterans riding the trolley was our very own Vice President Barney O'Reilly who conquered amazing odds the past year. Welcome Back Brother!

Southside Irish Parade 2008

WCVA President Martin E. Tully and his father proudly leading the way for the veterans in the parade. Windy City Veterans Association has been actively celebrating it's existence for 25 amazing years!

Southside Irish Parade 2008

WCVA veterans proudly marching down Western Avenue in the Southside Irish Parade. It was a cold day, but that didn't curtail the patriotism. Thank you to all who participated in this memorable tradition.