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

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today named Hillsboro resident Raymon F. Trost as the State of Illinois' June "Veteran of the Month" for his outstanding commitment to the veteran and elderly community throughout central Illinois. 

                                

"Mr. Trost has selflessly dedicated many years of his life to serving other veterans in central Illinois and continues to help improve the quality of life for area seniors," said Gov. Blagojevich. "He not only bravely served our country in defense of our freedom and liberties but continues to put the needs of the community above himself."

 

The Governor's "Veteran of the Month" award is a distinction that is given monthly to military Veterans who give back to their community and other veterans.  On behalf of the Governor, Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Director L. Tammy Duckworth presented Trost with the award today at the American Legion Post 32 in Springfield. 

 

"Raymon Trost is an exceptional Illinois veteran, who continues to dedicate his time serving his state and community.  I am proud to present Mr. Trost with this 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," said Director Duckworth.

 

Raymon Trost served in the Chemical Corps of the United States Army from 1954 until he was honorably discharged in 1956.  Trost was stationed primarily at Brize Norton, England where he served as Squad Leader at the rank of Corporal.  For his dedicated service Trost received the National Defense Service Medal and the Marksmanship Carbine Medal.

 

After serving his country in uniform, Trost found employment as a bank officer.  Later, he joined the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as a bank examiner.  From 1985 until he retired in 1994, Trost served as the field office supervisor for the FDIC's Springfield field office.  

 

For nearly two decades, Trost has been a devoted volunteer member of the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.  Trost volunteers countless hours with the service group, traveling from his home in Hillsboro to Springfield several times a week to serve on the honor guard at burials of veterans at cemeteries throughout Sangamon County.  During 2006, Trost made over 143 trips to the Springfield area and attended over 200 funerals.  His work with the Burial Detail helps to ensure that no veteran is ever forgotten or is laid to rest without proper honor. 

 

Trost is a dedicated member of the American Legion Post 32 in Springfield, and is a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees where he previously served as President of the Hillsboro Chapter for four years.

 

In addition to serving veterans and their families, Trost has been committed to helping the elderly in his community.  For nearly six years, Trost has participated in the Meals on Wheels program, delivering meals every week to local senior citizens in need. 

 

Trost is also greatly involved in the religious community.  He volunteers at St. Agnes Church in Hillsboro, serving as Treasurer and is involved in the processing and counting of the weekly collections.  He also has served on the board of St. Agnes Cemetery for several years.

 

Trost, who has lived in Illinois all his life, is married and has four children and eight grandchildren.

 

The "Veteran of the Month" award highlights the work of community activists who are also military veterans.  Each month, on behalf of Governor Blagojevich, the Department 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 http://veterans.illinois.gov or call IDVA at (217) 785-4114 to obtain a list of guidelines and a nomination form.