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Health & Fitness

Veterans of Des Plaines Recognize Women Warriors

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2992, the American Legion, and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary of Des Plaines honored Women Warriors today, in a program emceed by Retired Army Colonel Jill Morgenthaler at Prairie Lakes Community Center.

Commander Mike Lake opened the program with a welcome and an acknowledgement of all the veterans present and past, especially the women veterans in the audience. “Today we honor the uniform. We celebrate those who came home, and those that did not,” Lake said. He introduced Col. Morgenthaler, “a woman of many firsts.” “Col. Morgenthaler was one of the first women to enter ROTC and train as an equal with men. She was the first woman battalion commander in the 88th Regional Support Command; the first woman brigade commander in the 84th Division; and the first woman Homeland Security Advisor for the State of Illinois,” said Lake. “For her service in Iraq in 2004, she received the Bronze Star and upon retirement was awarded the Legion of Merit by the Army,” Lake continued. Col. Morgenthaler introduced the National Anthem, and a short video presentation of the 1969 Red Skeleton explanation of the Pledge of Allegiance. “I: Me an individual. Pledge: Dedicate all of my worldly goods. Allegiance: My love and devotion. To the Flag: Our Standard, Old Glory, a Symbol of Freedom,” Skeleton recited.

Colonel Morgenthaler introduced Lieutenant Colonel and Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth who spoke about Battle Buddies: those Army soldiers that “watch your back, share their care packages from home, and help you carry your load.” She acknowledged Tom Porter, an 86 year old Korean war vet and double amputee, who told her “everything was going to be alright” when she awoke in Walter Reed Hospital; and how today’s veterans teach us to “love the warriors, even if we don’t love the war.” The Congresswoman concluded her speech by saying, “Since Lexington and Concord, our military has answered the call to defend our freedom. They leave home, hearth, and family to serve, protect, and possibly lay down their lives to defend our liberties…and I would give up everything to do it all again.”

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American Legion Commander Don Meseth then introduced the posting of the five service flags: Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Marine, while their official fight songs played against a montage of images. Des Plaines Mayor Matt Bogusz reminded the audience that, “It is our turn to serve those who have served us by making sure all of our veterans have the education to continue in their civilian lives; the opportunity to find good jobs; proper mental and physical healthcare, and the moral support and thanks they deserve.” Following the Mayor, Mary Murphy, VFW Auxiliary President, spoke about the countless wives, mothers, daughters and grandmothers who sent letters and packages to boost the moral of their loved ones. “We saw them return with new outlooks—some good, some bad—with haunting, unforgettable memories…and many in pain. We are forever in their debt for their courage and sacrifice,” Murphy said.

Colonel Morgenthaler began her speech with “I am my father’s daughter. I wanted to be just like my dad.” She said, “My career in the military was a calling. When people thank me for my service, I want to thank them in turn for letting me answer that calling. I wanted to save lives, protect our freedoms, serve, defend, and die for my country, like so many before me.”

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“In the heart of every Mexican-American, Irish-American, German-American, and every other hyphenated American, beats the heart of a true American. It has never been clearer, since 9/11, when we veterans became true heroes in the eyes of the public. We showed the world that the terrorists can run and they can hide, but they will not win. We will stop them,” she said.

The program concluded with a special recognition of Cliff Hagedorn, a 70-year veteran. Mr. Hagedorn was presented with a special patch and diamond studded pin for his hat, by Commander Lake. “Today, we recognize Cliff, and celebrate all those who come after him in service of their country.”

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