Illinois Council of Administration and Homecoming

A seven hour drive from KC after the Teddy Robb concert found me in northern Illinois for their Council of Administration meeting and Homecoming.  Things were done differently this weekend and I have to say the changes will definitely push the Department forward!

The meetings were streamlined with a "Book of Reports" being given to the council members.  This held off very long committee reports as they were available to be read at any time.  Presenters merely had to add or modify things that may have happened since the Book had been published.  Also, Committee meetings were scaled back to actually be committee meetings.  The consensus of the crowd was very positive!  We were given about four hours of training from National Program Director Lynn Rolf on all of the program requirements as well as in-depth hands on discussion on the dashboard and Knowledge Management Tools.  Everyone agreed using computers to crunch the numbers and provide visual display is a big step into getting us all into the 21st Century!

The Department had a nice meet and greet event for me on Friday evening in Cantigny Post 367.  After their first building burned, veterans from the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II came to together and built this monument to veterans in 1946.  It's awe inspiring to see it in person.  Our corporate partners from Humana were present and they made a lot of good connections.  I was really amazed when I met Donna Allen-Sebok of AllenForce, a local veterans outreach company.  After talking more, I introduced her to Lynn and by the end of the evening Donna had pledged THREE disabled veteran Track Chairs!  She calls them Vetanks.  But they do get the job done.  Can't wait to start working with Donna to get veterans the assistance they need.  Even Humana is going to start working with her!  Meet and greeting, people business...do you all sense a theme here?

Saturday evening was the Homecoming at the New Lennox Post 9545.  Another great location sitting beside a river.  So peaceful.  They had a nice music, a great hall, and a fantastic dinner for everyone to enjoy.  It was a good evening all around.  Sunday came early, so Mama and I hit the road back home and are ready for our next adventure!

Vetank from AllenForce!  Thank you!!

Donna from Allenforce.  Check them out at AllenForce.org

Cantigny Post!  Like I said, pretty impressive!

New Lennox was kind enough to put my name in lights

Presenting State Commander Bobby his Warrant of Office.  At least its not a Bench Warrant

Mama's new pal, George the Irish Wolfhound

I received a very large bust of Lincoln!  Thank you!  Mama is in the picture for scale....