Legion Chaplain, Air Force Veteran Honored with the Abraham Lincoln Veteran Champion Award

Ernie Collins has been a constant and calming presence in the veterans’ community in and around Mount Vernon, Illinois for over 22 years, building on his experience in the Air Force and his service as a Trooper in the Illinois State Police.  In addition to his veteran and law enforcement efforts, Collins has been a volunteer fireman, EMT, speaker and teacher on a wide range of community interest topics, fundraiser, Honor Guard member, Chaplain, and working in a local soup kitchen.  He was honored as a Senior Saint in Jefferson County (2008) and one of the Southern Illinois’ Leaders Among Us in 2009, and was honored today as Illinois’ Abraham Lincoln Veteran Champion Award recipient for November, 2014.

“Ernie Collins’ consistent and superior service to his fellow veterans and his community are exceptional,” said Rodrigo Garcia, Acting Director, Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA).  “His résumé is inspirational and telling - Airman, Law Enforcement Officer, Volunteer EMT, and now Chaplain and volunteer.  We are grateful for his long-term support of his fellow veterans, his ministry and his exemplary service, not only to veterans, but the community at large.  He is making a difference and it is greatly appreciated.”

Collins is a leader in the Mount Vernon veteran community, providing services as the American Legion Post 141 Chaplain, transporting fellow veterans to medical appointments, delivering meals, and offering support to those in crisis.  In this role he’s been recognized with the American Legion’s Chaplain Cross Medal and was honored as the Post 141 “2011 Legionnaire of the Year”, while serving with the Honor Guard and ministering to a great number of services, memorials and funerals each year.

After his service in the Air Force, Collins served for 28 years as an Illinois State Trooper, retiring as a Master Sergeant, while also volunteering as a firefighter and emergency medical technician.  As a trooper, he taught classes on truck safety, engaged youth in Driver’s Education with presentations students on driving while impaired and safety, reaching hundreds of at-risk youth with important information. 

In addition to his work with the veterans’ community, Collins is a member of the Epilepsy Foundation, helping those in need with transport to regional medical facilities.  He is also active with the Experimental Aircraft Association of Mount Vernon and serves on the museum committee.  He was nominated by American Legion Post 141 – Mount Vernon Commander, Henry (Hank) Wulf and family, friends and fellow veterans attended the event.

IDVA was represented at this event Harry Sawyer, Manager of Field Services for the IDVA, who presented Collins the Abraham Lincoln Veteran Champion Award, which includes a framed proclamation as well as a State Flag on behalf of Governor Pat Quinn.  The ceremony was held at the American Legion Post-141, American Legion Post 141; 816 Main St., Mt. Vernon, IL on the afternoon of Tuesday, Nov. 18.  He was nominated by Henry “Hank” Wulf, Commander, American Legion Post 141 - Mount Vernon, IL.  Collins and his wife Brenda recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. 

The Abraham Lincoln Veteran Champion Award (ALVCA) highlights and honors Illinois veterans whose contributions in service to the veteran community and their local communities are truly above and beyond. Nominees are evaluated on the basis of their leadership, dedication, innovation, and impact in serving these communities. ALVCA recipients are those whose efforts add to the powerful narrative that veterans are dedicated, lifelong public servants from whose efforts all of Illinois' communities stand to benefit. In contributing to this narrative through their service to veteran and local communities, the ALVCA recipients not only impact the lives of those they serve, but also the overall advocacy effort for Illinois veterans.  The IDVA readily accepts nominations of veterans for consideration to receive the ALVCA. 

Please contact Ryan Yantis, communication manager, IDVA, ryan.yantis@illinois.gov or 312-814-0778 with any question concerning the IDVA or the Abraham Lincoln Veteran Champion Award.