Press Release - Monday, August 12, 2013
Press Releases
No Data
Springfield Woman Selected as Illinois Veteran of the Month
Chicago – The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs will recognize Linda Kay Crites, Logistics Specialist 1st Class, U.S. Navy (Retired), a prominent veteran leader in the Springfield area, for her years of service to her community, county and to fellow veterans as the Illinois Veteran of the Month for July 2013.
Crites will be honored at a ceremony scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 11, 2013 – during the “Veterans’ Day” activities at the Illinois State Fair. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and IDVA Director Erica Borggren are scheduled to be on hand to present the award and offer remarks. Crites will also be the Grand Marshal of the Veterans Day Parade later in the day at the State Fair. [post-event: IDVA Assistant Director Rodrigo Garcia represented the agency and assisted Governor Pat Quinn in presenting the award to Ms Crites.]
In the Navy, Crites served in a variety of assignments in storekeeping and logistics management. She was mobilized in support of Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom. She also served in an imminent danger area from March thru September 2005, earning the Iraqi Campaign Medal.
Following her Navy service Crites continued to support other veterans in a variety of roles. She was the Chaplain of Veterans of Foreign War Post 10302, and visited sick veterans, donated blood, and provided critical support during fundraising activities. She was also a key leader and participant in other volunteer activities and charity events, including as a member of the Women’s Overseas Service League, and as an Honor Flight Guardian where she assisted WWII veterans during their flights to Washington D.C. Crites has also made significant contributions through her involvement with various veteran organizations, including the Sangamon County’s Inter-Veterans Council, where she helped organize the Veterans Day Parade and provided essential support for Memorial Day services at Camp Lincoln. She also served as a Board Member for the Navy Club of USA Sangamon Ship 32, where she was instrumental in the preparation and execution of several conventions and fundraisers aimed at providing enhanced support and care to veterans seeking care at VA medical centers.
Her decorations include a Flag Letter of Commendation for her service, along with numerous awards and decorations, including the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy “E” Ribbon, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/”M” Device and Bronze Hour Glass. She was nominated for consideration by Rosemary Connelly, who was herself Veteran of the Month for March 2011.
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.
Press Releases
No Data