Here are a few of the good things readers noticed around the area recently:
The Audo and Johnson families of St. Joseph “express our thanks and gratitude for all of the support shown by the community during our time of sorrow. We are simply overwhelmed by the show of honor, sympathy, and love that were expressed on behalf of Maj. David Audo.
“The number of people who took time out of their busy schedules to show their support or share their memories of David was beyond comprehension.
“The memorial processions, both on Nov. 3 from Willard Airport to St. Joseph, and on Nov. 5 from St. Joseph to Danville, were very emotional and heartwarming for all that witnessed them. We cannot thank enough the people who came out to line the routes and honor David.
“Our hearts are full of loss at losing our husband, father, brother and uncle. Your collective response of honor, love and patriotism have shown us the sacrifices Dave, and all United States military, undertook on our behalf is valued and that he will long be remembered in the hearts of his countrymen.
“Though we thank everyone for your time and support, we would like to specially thank the following: veterans of the U.S. armed services; the U.S. Army; Patriot Guard Riders; Blue Knights Riders; Freese Funeral Home; The Flag Man, Larry Eckhardt; the community of St. Joseph; Living Word Fellowship Church; all participating fire departments; all participating police departments; all participating ambulance and EMS services; Flightstar Aviation; Kalitta Air Charter Services; Champaign News-Gazette; Commercial-News; WCIA and WAND; Gov. Pat Quinn; Pastor Dave Anderson and Danville First Church of Nazarene; the Rudzinski family; Byron Denhart and family; Peter Hartman and family; and Hilton Garden Inn of Champaign.”
Patty Simpson of Danville sends hearts to Colonial Manor Nursing Home.
“I know there’s a saying, ‘You can’t go back,’ however, I did. In February, I went to Colonial Manor for therapy after my knee replacement. I just went back for therapy on my other knee.
“Hearts to Mark Black and Ben Croft for their continued pride and care at Colonial Manor.
“More hearts to the nursing staff for the great care they gave me.
“Hearts to Judy, who removed my staples and taught me to give myself some needed shots.
“Thanks again to Melanie for doing my hair and to Troy, Robin and Melissa for my therapy and getting me on my feet so quickly.
“I thank you all — but another return visit is not planned for the near future.”
The officers and members of Jewell Whyte Post 728, Veterans of Foreign Wars “express our appreciation to the good people of the Illiana community who so generously donated to our Relief Fund to help
veterans.
“Our POPPY sales was a tremendous success in this time of economic turmoil. Most of you are might not be aware of how much service organizations like the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, Korean War Veterans Association, American Legion, Am Vets and others do for veterans and our communities.
“In the coming year, local VFW Post 728 will spend about $1,000 for $1 canteen books to be spent at the VA canteen or cafeteria. These books will be presented to patients at our VA facility.
“We help many needy veterans passing through Danville as well as some of our own.
“Part of the funds are used to promote patriotism in schools by sponsoring speech and essay contests. One hundred percent of the funds are used for charitable purposes to help veterans.
“The VFW, American Legion and KWVA provide ritual teams for military funerals as well as honor guards for many occasions. Regardless of the weather, we will be at the gravesite of our comrades.
“The teams are composed of men in their 70s and 80s and are becoming a dying breed.
“We are grateful to the funeral directors who contribute money to help us purchase our uniforms and equipment.
“Each Christmas season, the Marine League provides Toys for Tots.
“The needy children of Danville always appreciate their efforts to make Christmas a little more meaningful. Don’t forget to help them next month.
“The Vermilion County Veterans Council prepares and conducts the Memorial Day services at the Danville National Cemetery and the WWI memorial at Main and Gilbert. The Veterans Council is also responsible for the Veterans Day program at one of the Memorials on Hazel Street.
“Each of these service organizations have volunteers who serve veterans at the VA Illiana Health Care Systems, Veterans Administration.
“Again, thank you for your generous support. God bless you and this great land of ours.”
