JHN_ Salute To Veterans_1110210

November 2021 A Special Supplement to

A Salute toVeterans Inside

Battle Buddy program connects police officers with veterans in need Local women share experiences as female members of the military ‘Taking care of our own’: Veteran employees give back through cemetery work

YOU’VE GOT A BUDDY IN ME Battle Buddy program connects police officers with veterans in need

By ALLISON SELK For Shaw Media

A chance meeting between two strangers at a birthday party led the Joliet Police Department Battle Buddy program to receive its first monetary donation outside of the department.

Lt. Moises Avila of JPD found himself in conversation with Dan Gallivan, an insurance agent with Country Financial. When the talks turned to work, Avila told Gallivan about the department’s Battle Buddy program, which he coordinates.

“By the look on his face, you could see how important this was to him,” Gallivan said. “It made it important to me, it just struck me.”

Gallivan shared program information with business partner John Natanek, and the pair decided to donate $1,500 to the program through Country Financial’s Operation Helping Heroes program, created to help military, teachers, first responders and veteran organizations.

“We have never received money for the program,” Avila said. “This was our first donation.”

He said the group that works with the Battle Buddy program will meet and decide what to do with the

funds, but he knows it will go toward service and awareness of the program to the public.

Command staff at JPD created the Battle Buddy program in 2016 as a way to connect military veteran police officers to other veterans in distress when on call. Currently, 27 JPD sworn personnel have volunteered for the program, including participation in a 40-hour critical incident crisis intervention training.

The training teaches officers how to respond to crisis calls, come in with an open mindset, use active listening, be nonconfrontational and make the subject feel comfortable in order to not escalate the situation, similar to a negotiator, Avila said.

Avila said dispatchers screen calls and, in addition to typical protocols, ask if the subject is a veteran.

Once it’s determined the subject is a veteran, the dispatcher can look at the list to see which Battle Buddy volunteer is on call or get on the radio to ask for a Battle Buddy to respond.

“Once we get there, we try to make a connection, ask where they went to boot camp or basic training, or where they were stationed,” Avila said.

Avila said he sees veterans who have mental illnesses; others struggle to find a niche in civilian life after years in the military. Many times, calls include

wellness checks initiated by a family member. Avila said the officers carry information packets; they establish rapport with the veteran and then give them resources for local help. In the past three years, the Battle Buddy program has taken over 30 calls to assist veterans.

“We put tools in their tool box; we plant the seeds,” Avila said.

In addition, Avila said all visits are documented in a computer system, which the veteran officers can access to keep them in the loop on the veteran’s visits and concerns. When they go for a follow-up, the officers are up to date on the situation.

“We take care of our veterans,” Avila said.

He knows firsthand how this program benefits the veterans it serves. Avila remembers vividly the day a veteran’s mother called to say her son was in the basement threatening to harm himself. Other officers arrived before Avila, secured the basement and began talking with the veteran.

Avila said he showed up on scene, met the mother and walked into the basement, only to see a veteran he had met on a previous call.

“I introduced myself and once he heard my voice, he stood up, dropped the knife, cried and came to me

Just two simple words … Thank You On Veterans Day and always, we remember your sacrifices and honor our freedom.

James I. Reeves

Heral

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2018

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1918-1989 U.S. Army Air Force 1943-1945 Pacific Theater Operations

James W. Reeves U.S. Navy 2003 - Present

Joseph L. Reeves U.S. Navy 2009 - Present

Robert B. Baskerville 1923 - 1981 US Army 1942-1945 European Theater Operations

Christopher J. Baskerville U.S. Air Force 2013-2019

Heral

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Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, Nov 10, 2021

SALUTE TO VETERANS

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Submitted photo

Front row – left to right: Dan Gallivan, Lt. Moises Avila and John Natanek. Middle row: Officer Chad Evans. Back Row – left to right: Officer Nick Crowley, Deputy Chief Carlos Matlock, Officer John Lundberg and Officer Brian Knabel.

826 Horseshoe Drive, Joliet, IL

(815) 722-5398

www.vfw367.org

CANTIGNY POST 367

Annual Collection for

Deployed Troops Collection Deadline Thursday, November 18

Operation Care 2021 Monetary Donations Accepted for Care Package Mailings

Suggested Items for Donations: FOOD

Oatmeal (Instant), Noodles, Beef Jerky, Granola Bars, Crackers, Cookies, Pretzels, Chips, Canned Fruit (pop top cans), Fruit Cups, Gum, Individual packets of Ketchup, Mustard, Salt, Pepper

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Dental Products, Baby Wipes, Feminine Products, Deodorant, Foot Powder,Razors,Q-Tips,Shampoo,Lip Balm,Lotion,Lens Cleaner Cloth

OTHER

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Writing Paper, Envelopes, Pens, Pencils, Batteries (AA, AAA, D), Duct Tape, Socks 100% Cotton, Zip Lock Baggies

ENTERTAINMENT

Playing Cards, Crossword Puzzles, Yo-Yo’s, Frisbees, Books, Rubik’s Cube, Hand Held Electronic Games

Nov. 11 Veterans Day Cantigny Noon-5p.m.

Veterans Join us for Free Lunch

Hot Dogs • Soup • Chili • Chips • Cookies Free Glass Beer Mug • Refills of Draft Beer Miller & Bud $1.00

Post and Auxiliary Meeting

2nd Thursday each Month 6:30pm Bingo Mondays at 6:30pm Fish Fry Friday 4-7:30pm Karaoke Fridays 8-Midnight Call for weekend Entertainment 815-722-5318

Veterans Day Ceremony 10am American Legion Post 1080, 2625 Ingalls Ave. Joliet

SALUTE TO VETERANS Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, Nov 10, 2021

for a hug,” Avila said.

He took precautions to make sure the veteran was not armed further, and then they talked about what led him to this decision and developed a plan of action, which the veteran followed, to receive help.

“It was powerful,” Avila said of his second interaction with this veteran.

This program, unique to the JPD, has piqued interest all over the country. Agencies in Washington, North Carolina, California and Clemson University have contacted Avila for information in hopes to start branches in those areas.

“I’m proud of our program,” Avila said. “God forbid if I was in a situation, I hope someone would help me.”

Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, Nov 10, 2021

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Local women share experiences as female members of the military

By ALLISON SELK For Shaw Media

At the age of 64, Maria Acevedo boarded the first women’s only Honor Flight, Operation Her Story, with her fellow veteran sisters this year.

Her military experience from 1974 to 1985 was, in her telling, “a man’s world,” as she worked as an electronic technician on aircraft. Up until 1985, she was the only woman in the shop in which she worked.

Acevedo, who now lives in Morris, grew up in a large family where a Catholic school education was important to her father. She knew further education would be costly and not an expense she wanted to put on the family, so she joined the Air Force in 1974 at the age of 17 and fulfilled her contract in 1979. She joined the reserves from 1980 to 1982, then reenlisted 1982-85.

She worked hard to study and take exams, moving her way up in her career. It did, however, frustrate her because as a woman, she could work on the planes but not fly in combat, where she could receive medals and therefore points for advancement. “I was always lagging,” Acevedo said.

Although she felt an imbalance, she said she worked just as hard to gain respect of her male coworkers. Any grief received, she gave right back.

“I was doing what I had to do,” Acevedo said.

As she reminisced, she said she has met Korean

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War veterans and had appreciation of the way things were then for women and how their advancements opened doors for her during Vietnam.

Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County Superintendent Kristi McNichol runs one of the four female-led veterans assistance commissions in the state of Illinois; others include offices in DeKalb, Iroquois and Vermilion counties, according to McNichol.

McNichol, an Army veteran, met Acevedo this year. McNichol said she was never concerned what others thought about her choice to join the Army or how women paved the way for other women until she learned about Acevedo’s service, especially in a male-dominated field.

“To those, like Maria, that served before me, I personally thank them for their service. They willingly chose a path that most of society was not comfortable with, and some still aren’t,” McNichol said.

Natalie Coleman joined ROTC while she attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1997; she was then commissioned as a second lieutenant in 2002 in the Illinois Army National Guard 933rd Military Police and an Iraq platoon leader in 2003. She decided to resign in 2012 from her military career and was honorably discharged as a captain in 2012.

Coleman said at 23 years of age, she was put in charge of a platoon, where she became a motherly figure to mostly 19- to 20-year-old women. She guided

Maria Acevedo them to stay focused and on mission, keep their heads on straight and stay professional.

Out of the four platoon leaders, she was the only woman, and she felt that her role could inspire other women who may not want to be in a stereotypical woman’s role. She said as a woman, she brought empathy and a voice for other women — both in her platoon and those who will come after her.

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She has kept up with two young women, one in her platoon and another a truck mechanic, both of whom joined the Chicago Police Department.

“I see these young ladies pursuing careers as police officers, it’s really inspiring how you can have an impact,” Coleman said.

In 2019, Samantha Lucko started her service in the Marines, but an illness only allowed her three years

Kristi McNichol

Samantha Lucko

of service. During that time she worked with the Wounded Warrior Battalion in the administrative department. Although she did not get the full experience she greatly wanted, she remains proud of her accomplishments as one of the 8% of females stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

According to the Department of Defense Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion website, the numbers

of active duty women in 2021 are: 69,927 in the Air Force; 74,104 in the Army; 16,275 in the Marine Corps; and 69,688 in the Navy.

Of those enlisted women, the two highest populated careers are functional support and administration specialists, and service and supply handlers. The two highest women officer occupations include health care officers and tactical operations officers.

HONORING ALL VETERANS THIS VETERAN’S DAY AND EVERY DAY! WE SALUTE YOU! We salute the many men and women who have fought for the freedom we enjoy!

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We are proud to offer our NEW VETERAN’S DISCOUNT PACKAGE to you and your spouse. You are also eligible for a FREE burial at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery or any national cemetery of your choice.

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SALUTE TO VETERANS Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, Nov 10, 2021

Natalie Coleman

Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, Nov 10, 2021

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‘TAKING CARE OF OUR OWN’: Veteran employees give back through cemetery work

By ALLISON SELK For Shaw Media

Of the 30 employees at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, 22 have served in the military and now give back to other veterans as a career.

“The veterans who work here are an asset because they have served, they know what its like to have served and they continue to serve,” said Quincy McCall, director of the cemetery. “Because of their military service, most are very well disciplined, accustomed to challenges, hard workers and the list can go on.”

McCall said the 22 employees serve in these positions: director, assistant director, director intern trainee, foreman, administrative officer, program specialist, budget analyst, cemetery representatives, interment work leader, grounds work leader, engineering equipment operators, equipment maintenance worker, gardener, facility maintenance worker and cemetery caretakers.

After 11 years in the Army and six deployments, budget analyst Josh Polega applied to the cemetery in order to give back to the veteran community.

“I’m able to work with veterans; I understand where they came from, it’s one team, one fight. I can understand their trials and tribulations of what they went through.

Only a veteran can understand a veteran,” Polega said.

Chris Lowe spent four years in the Marine Corps as a

Josh Polega

Chris Lowe

Lewis University Salutes our Veterans Lewis University is grateful for the dedication and service of our armed forces and we are committed to supporting you in reaching your academic and career goals. Whether you are active duty, or a veteran, we can assist you and eligible dependents as you begin or continue your education.

With more than 80 undergraduate programs and 35 graduate programs, you and your family can take full advantage of the military benefits. Lewis accepts all VA programs and Military Tuition Assistance. Get your entire degree paid for using your Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. (Limitations apply)

We are proud to be a Yellow Ribbon School and

Ranked #1 among private colleges

by Best for Vets.

One University Parkway Romeoville, IL 60446-2200

Contact: Roman Ortega, Jr. (815) 836-5339 lewisu.edu/veterans ortegaro@lewisu.edu

families to shelters for services, introduces the memorial squad and assists in the preparation of cases.

He said it was important for him to work a job in this capacity so he could honor the veterans in their final resting places as well as be of service to the families.

“We were veterans ourselves, now we are taking care of our own veterans and families after death,” Wenner said of the importance of veteran employees at the cemetery. “We have compassion and can assist them better because we are veterans ourselves. One team, one fight.”

McCall said the veterans are assets as employees, “But this is also an opportunity for us to continue to service our brothers and sisters even in death by ensuring that they receive the dignified burial and that they rest in a place of honor because of their unselfish and honorable service to our nation. It’s an honor and a privilege to work at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.”

Polega agreed. “There’s not a better way to help a veteran, and give back to the greatest generation than at their final resting place.”

We take this opportunity to remember our Veterans who have died, thank the Veterans who have served and continue to pray for all women and men currently serving our country.

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Happy Veterans Day to our soldiers, both past and present.

We owe you our thanks, but more than that, we owe you our freedom.

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7 SALUTE TO VETERANS Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, Nov 10, 2021

landing support specialist.

When he returned home, he visited his best friend who was buried at the cemetery.

“I wasn’t sure what life would be like after the military,” Lowe said. “I was just talking to my buddy at his grave not sure what to do.”

Lowe walked into the office on the cemetery grounds and asked if there were any positions open. He began as a caretaker and then made his way up to interment work leader, a job where he helps his staff plan out their day in the field and stresses the importance of grave and grounds management. He said he expects the staff to take care of the graves as if they were family.

“Leave a grave as if it was your brother or sister David Wenner because these are our brothers and sisters in arms,” Lowe said.

He also felt his military background allowed him to not only connect with fellow veteran employees, but the families who come to the funerals or to visit gravesites. Lowe said a man visits a grave almost daily and opens up to.

“He said, ‘Coming out here and talking to you guys helps, you are all veterans and you can relate to what I’m saying,’” Lowe said.

Cemetery representative David Wenner spent 25 years in the Army and three years in the reserves before he came to the cemetery two years ago. He escorts

Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, Nov 10, 2021

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