 "Our veterans bravely served this country to protect and honor our
freedom. Veterans across Illinois, like Harold Gee, continue their
commitment to our country and its people, even after their military
service is complete. Harold has dedicated many years of selfless
service to the veterans in southern Illinois and continues to help
improve the quality of life for our military heroes, and for that,
we thank him and honor him with this award," said Blagojevich.The
governor's Veteran of the Month award is a distinction that is given
monthly to a military veteran in Illinois who dedicates his or her
time to community service and works on behalf of other veterans.
"As we celebrate Veterans Day at the Du Quoin State Fair, we
honor all those who have served our country in uniform. Today, we
especially recognize one veteran from Illinois in particular --
Harold Gee. Harold is not only an Illinois veteran, but he is an
outstanding individual who continues to dedicate his time serving
his state and community. I am proud to present Mr. Gee with the
August Veteran of the Month award on behalf of Governor Blagojevich
and the Department of Veterans' Affairs, as a way to extend our
deepest gratitude and appreciation for all he has done and continues
to do for his fellow comrades," IDVA Director Tammy Duckworth said.
Gee served in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1952 as a 3rd
Class ship serviceman, earning the South Pacific Campaign Medal and
Good Conduct Medal.
Shortly after returning to Illinois from service, he moved to
Buncombe, where he has resided ever since. Deciding that he did not
want to stop serving his country, he chose to continue to better the
lives of his comrades in Illinois. He realized there was an
increasing need for long-term care of the veteran population, so he
spearheaded the concept of building a veterans home in the southern
part of Illinois. Without his vision, determination and will, the
Illinois Veterans Home in Anna might not have been built. It opened
in 1994.
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He is a loyal and dedicated volunteer at the facility in Anna. He
unselfishly spends his time and energy to better the lives of the
residents. He visits the home on a regular basis, brings reading
material to make the residents' lives more enjoyable and for the
past 10 years has helped to coordinate the Gifts for Yanks drive.
Through an extensive letter campaign, he has helped to raise
thousands of dollars for wheelchairs, security systems, a
handicapped-accessible walkway and ramp, and other equipment for the
facility.
In addition to his voluntary commitment to the state's veterans,
he has been involved with the youth community in southern Illinois.
For six years, he served as director of the Lick Creek School,
helping to educate the younger generation.
He currently serves as commander of the American Legion Post 344
in Anna, a position he has held for more than 15 years.
Harold Gee was born on Sept. 2, 1927, in Jackson County. He is a
proud father of seven children, a grandfather of 15 and a
great-grandfather of more than 20.
The Veteran of the Month presentation took place during Veterans
Day at the Du Quoin State Fair. Admission to the fair was free for
veterans and their families, and the day included a "Supermarket of
Veterans' Benefits" to help veterans apply for an array of benefits
available from both the state and federal governments. IDVA had
several field officers on hand to provide one-on-one assistance to
those veterans who need help filing their benefits claims. In
addition, many state and federal agencies, along with regional
medical centers and businesses from across Illinois, were there to
provide information about job and education opportunities and much
more.
The Veteran of the Month award highlights the work of community
activists who are also military veterans. Each month, on behalf of
Blagojevich, the IDVA recognizes a different person or group that
contributes to the betterment of communities across the state of
Illinois. To nominate a Veteran of the Month, please visit
www.state.il.us/agency/dva or call IDVA at 312- 814-5391 to
obtain a list of guidelines and a nomination form.
[Text from file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |
