News

Join us in welcoming our new Chicago Chapter member, James Zima of Hammond, IN.

Jim served with C/2-319th AFAR (82nd Abn Div) from 2004-2005, D/3-325th AIR (82nd Abn Div) from 2005-2006, and HHC/2-508th PIR (82nd Abn Div) from 2006-2008. His combat tours include OIF and OEF. He was a 13F and earned the rank of E-5.

Welcome aboard, Jim! AATW!

Want to share a couple of updates regarding our monthly chapter meetings.

Based on feedback we received from participants last year and recently, we've decided to stop hosting dual in-person and online meetings. Overall, the feedback was that the experience for those participating online wasn't great -- hard to hear, cannot see the room, and such.

Because of this, our Board has decided to alternate in-person and online meetings each month. This month (Feb), we'll meet online via Google Meet, as we did during the pandemic. Then in March we'll meet in person. And so on. We also are going to plan socials during the online meeting months for those interested to meet up for a beer, soda, or whatever you like. Look for more info on that shortly.

Another item to share is that we are moving away from hosting chapter meetings at Rock Bottom in Warrenville. Recently we told by the brewery that they are going to start requiring contracts, room fees, and minimum headcounts for our regular meetings -- and we cannot support that change, it's just too cost-prohibitive.

I hope that everyone understands and supports these changes. If you'd like to share your thoughts, please post a comment here or give me a call at (630) 561-2139.

Airborne, All The Way!

Mark Mueller, Chairman

Join us in welcoming our newest Chicago Chapter member, Fred Duke of Merrillville, IN.

Fred retired from the US Army as an E-7 in 2019 after just over 20 years of service that included C/2-505 PIR (82nd Airborne Div) from 2002-2005. He was an Airborne Infantryman with tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Airborne, All The Way!

Following a busy Holiday/New Years and with a few new board members joining, we need some extra time to get things organized and moving forward. As such, we're going to cancel our normal January meeting, which would have been held Sunday, 08 January. 

Our first meeting of 2023 will be held Sunday, 05 February at Rock Bottom Warrenville and will be in-person only. We're moving up a week due to a conflict in February with the Super Bowl that's scheduled for Sunday, 12 Feb. 

Airborne, All The Way! 

Our 2023 Chicago Chapter Executive Board was installed, per our chapter By Laws, at the chapter holiday party on 11 December 2022 at Rock Bottom Warrenville. The installing officer was former chapter Chairman Don Strazer.

The 2023 Board consists of the following Chicago Chapter members, who will serve a one-year term: 

• Chairman & Secretary: Mark Mueller (12th term)
• Vice Chairman: Rene Hernandez (2nd term) 
• Treasurer: Thomas Milone (1st term) 
• Sergeant at Arms: Mario Nunez (1st term) 

Airborne, All The Way! 

Our 2023 Airborne Wall Calendars are here! Just visit our eBay store to get yours today, and get another for an Airborne buddy! They will also be at our Holiday party at Rock Bottom Warrenville on 13 Dec if you'd like to pick one up in-person. As always, the calendar is a brand new design and chock full of military and historical dates, including all known combat jumps. 

Just $20 each and all proceeds benefit the Chicago Chapter's mission -- AATW!

On 15 October 2022, the Chicago Chapter participated in a golf outing fund raiser at Boulder Ridge Country Club in Lake In The Hills, IL, that was the brainchild of our member Thomas Milone. 

While chapter participation was modest, the Boulder Ridge members who participated were extremely generous and the event was absolutely terrific. Many thanks to Tom for his hard work and dedication to this project!

Because of the success of the event, the Chicago Chapter was able to make a $3,280 donation to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton. In the photo below, Tom Milone and I present the donation to Tom Heneghan, MSHV's Major Gifts Officer, at their office on 28 Oct.

The plan is to make this an annual event and hopefully bigger each year. We'll share info regarding the 2023 event early in the year. Likely the next event will move up to late Spring or early Summer.

AATW!
Mark Mueller
Chairman 

Welcome to our newest Chicago Chapter member, Michael Natonski of Libertyville, IL!

Mike served with C/3-504 PIR (82nd Airborne Div) from 1988-91 as an 11B Infantryman and is a Persian Gulf War veteran.

Welcome aboard, Mike! AATW!

The Chicago Bears are hosting a special recognition breakfast at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, IL, for Vietnam Veterans and Vietnam Era Veterans of all U.S. military services who served between Nov 1955 and May 1975. The Chicago Bears organization wants to recognize our nation's veterans who did not receive the support and gratitude they deserved during their time in service. Only these veterans are invited to this event.

This free event includes:
* A full breakfast buffet
* Special pinning ceremony
* Meet and greet with Bears alumni
* Special gift bag
* Special guest speakers and more!

You must RSVP by this Friday, 04 November 2022 at 17:00 (firm) by contacting Jerry Paulsen at (847) 529-5205 or via email at gpaulsen@paulsenproductionsinc.com.

Details needed for day of:
1. Name, phone number and email of each veteran attending
2. Notice of any ADA needs
3. MUST bring photo ID to check in at Halas Hall
4. Photo waivers on site to sign for all veteran attendees
5. Any assistance needed will be prearranged

PLEASE NOTE:
This is not a Chicago Chapter or 82nd Airborne Division Association event; we are not directly affiliated nor responsible. We are only sharing this information with our members who may be eligible and interested for their benefit. Feel free to pass this information along to others that may be eligible and interested.

Our Chicago Chapter welcomes its newest member - Floyd Soristo, Jr. of Wheeling, IL! 

Floyd served as an Infantryman with B/2-508th PIR (82nd Abn Div) from 1972-74 and earned the rank of SGT/E-5. 

Welcome aboard, Floyd! Airborne, All The Way!