Gov. Blagojevich announces State of Illinois' October "Veteran of the Month"

ELGIN- Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today named Dannie Stanbery, of Sycamore, as the State of Illinois' October "Veteran of the Month" for his longtime commitment and dedication to helping children and veteran in DeKalb County.

"Not only do veterans bravely serve our country in defense of our freedom.  Some of them, like Dannie Stanbery, keep working on behalf of others and stepping up to the plate when help is needed," said Gov. Blagojevich.  "Through his many organization affiliations, Mr. Stanbery is a strong advocate for children and for other veterans in the DeKalb County area."

The Governor's "Veteran of the Month" award is a distinction that is given monthly to military veterans who excel as community activists and work on behalf of other veterans.  On behalf of the Governor, Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Director Roy L. Dolgos and Assistant Director Rochelle Crump presented Stanbery with the award during a special ceremony at the department's Veterans' Service Office in Elgin. 

"This is an award that Governor Blagojevich and I implemented to say ‘thank you' to the brave men and women who have served their country above and beyond the call of duty and continue to serve their community," Director Dolgos explained.

Dannie Stanbery honorably served in the Illinois National Guard for nearly 22 years, from June 5, 1984 to April 15, 2006. 

Stanbery is an active advocate for the youth in his community.  He is a member of the DeKalb County Foster Parents Association, a volunteer Boy Scout leader for Troop 18 and an alumnus of Future Farmers of America.  Stanbery is the vice-president of the Sycamore Community Unit School District 427 and serves on the Illinois Association of School Boards.

"Colonel Stanbery is a great example of what veterans continue to do for their beloved country. Today we are here to show him just how much he means to the community and thank him for all that he does, especially when it comes to kids and his fellow veterans," added Assistant Director Crump. 

Stanbery has earned numerous military honors including the Army Achievement Medal, the National Service Defense Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Kosovo Campaign Medal, the NATO Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.  He is a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America and the National Guard Association of the United States.  He is a lifetime member and past president of the National Guard Association of Illinois, an organization that advocates and represents all members and families of the Illinois National Guard.

The "Veteran of the Month" award highlights the work of community activists who also happen to be military veterans.  Each month, on behalf of Governor Blagojevich, Director Dolgos 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 IDVA's website at www.state.il.us/agency/dva or call (217) 524-0629 to obtain a list of guidelines and a nomination form.