Press Release - Wednesday, October 16, 2013
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Hispanic Leader Named Illinois Veteran of the Month
Chicago – The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) recognized Edgar Delgado, a U.S. Air Force veteran, volunteer and prominent member of the Hispanic community as the Illinois Veteran of the Month for October 2013.
“Edgar Delgado’s leadership, volunteer service and dedication to his community and others are very impressive,” said Erica Borggren, Army veteran and Director, IDVA. “Since leaving the Air Force in 2005 he’s made powerful contributions to his community as a coach, a mentor and volunteer leader. Edgar is an exceptional example of the fact that veterans are tremendous community assets.”
Delgado was honored at a ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, Chicago, with Borggren on hand to present the award on behalf of Governor Quinn.
Delgado enlisted in the Air Force in 2000 and served for nearly five years. He graduated from the University of Washington and received the Outstanding Leader of the Year award from the Finance Society. Delgado is an active leader within the National Society of Hispanic MBAs Chicago Chapter, with Boy Scout of America activities, and within the community at large. In addition to his volunteer work helping with the Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School basketball team, he’s contributed over 6,000 hours via various organizations over the past four years.
As a leader in the veteran community, he serves on the Illinois Veteran Advisory Council and as a member of the El Valor Associate Board, which has a mission to support and challenge urban families to achieve excellence and participate fully in community life. He is also a leader within the Student Veterans of America (SVA), where he helps with initiatives growing the veteran-alumni network and fundraising. He resides in Chicago, Cook County, IL and was nominated by Victor Herrera, executive vice president, NSHMBA, Chicago Chapter.
Delgado is also a participant in the MillerCoors Líderes campaign, which highlights the hard work of today's Hispanic leaders and encourages the next generation of leaders to improve their business skills, expand their networks, and become leaders in their own right. Since 2006, MillerCoors Líderes has spotlighted more than 76 Hispanic business, political and community leaders.
In the Air Force Delgado served as an Aircraft Fuel Systems Journeyman, leaving the service as a Senior Airman in 2005. He was selected by his peers and immediate supervisors for the Knucklebuster of the Year award in 2001 for McChord Air Force Base, denoting excellence in aircraft maintenance. He also served as a member of the Base Honor Guard and on Presidential Missions while there, and deployed numerous times in support of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, His awards include the Air Force Achievement Medal (2nd award), the Air Force Training Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (2nd award), the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Meritorious Unit Award.
About Veteran of the Month
The Illinois Veteran of the Month Award is presented to veterans who continue to serve their communities after leaving the military and make a real difference in the lives of others. Each month the Department recognizes a different person or group that contributes to communities across the state of Illinois. To nominate a veteran for consideration, please visit veterans.illinois.gov for the guidelines and a nomination form. Each recipient is presented a proclamation signed by the Governor and the IDVA Director, as well as a state flag.
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