Joliet American Legion, Post 1080

06/15/2026

On National PTSD Awareness Day – we will bring light to the continuing toll of the war. The Vietnam War may be over, but the battle continues for many Vietnam veterans and their families to this day.

06/07/2026

06/07/2026

Today we remember WO Frederick H Elizondo of Alton, Illinois, who fell on this day in 1967. Frederick is remembered by his cousin, Mary:

"I never had the chance to know Freddie Herman as he was called, yet, in many respects I feel like I do know him. I know he volunteered to go to Vietnam and trained to be a helicopter pilot because his country needed you. He was attached to the First Cavalry Company B, 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 11th Aviation Group as a warrant officer. I have connected with a few people who went through basic training\helicopter school with him. A funny story I have heard from a fellow recruit is that during your time at Ft. Wolters you could wiggle your ears and on one occasion as the Tac Sergeant and Tac Officer were directly in John's face during an inspection, you were standing in front of him in formation, and decided to wiggle ears. John said that he couldn't keep from laughing. This is just one story that has helped me learn about you. There are many more.
The words thank you are not adequate for the sacrifice you made to keep us safe. Please know, that our family is proud of your service. My kids Ben and Sarah have know about you from the time they could understand."

WO Frederick H Elizondo is honored on Panel 21E, Line 61 of The Wall: https://bit.ly/416Kqrq

To honor your Vietnam veteran on our Facebook please fill out the following form: https://bit.ly/3k7AlWK

06/06/2026

Fewer members. The same sacred mission.

Across the country, honor guards are shrinking in size, but their responsibility remains as important as ever. Operation Honor Guard helps support these dedicated volunteers as they provide final military honors for our nation’s veterans.

Help us strengthen honor guards across America.


www.operationhonorguard.us

06/06/2026

D-Day
Today marks the 82nd anniversary of what is one of the most notable events of World War II. The day the beaches of Normandy, France were stormed by Allied troops. Today, we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who went on to help liberate the area from N**i soldiers.

This ad-free YouTube link is to a short news story posted by SmartHER News during her visit to Normandy 2 years ago, on the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. You can find her full 90-minute story about D-Day at the link posted in the first comment here.

*Photo credit: Encyclopedia Brittanica

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/GftHxi-Pl48?playlist=GftHxi-Pl48&autoplay=1&iv_load_policy=3&loop=1&start=

06/03/2026

Today we remember 2LT William Allen Rawson of Lake Forest, Illinois, who fell on this day in 1967. William is remembered by his sister, Julie:

"My Big Brother, Shared lots of friends and events together.
Super guy
2Lt Proud Enlisted Marine!"

2LT William Allen Rawson is honored on Panel 21E, Line 38 of The Wall: https://bit.ly/4gXzXFS

To honor your Vietnam veteran on our Facebook please fill out the following form: https://bit.ly/3k7AlWK

06/02/2026

It is with profound sadness that the Congressional Medal of Honor Society shares the passing of Medal of Honor Recipient Colonel Bruce P. Crandall, U.S. Army (Ret.), who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Ia Drang in Vietnam. He passed away peacefully at his home on May 31, 2026, at the age of 93.

A legendary Army aviator, Colonel Crandall was awarded the Medal of Honor for repeatedly flying his UH-1 Huey helicopter into intense enemy fire on November 14, 1965, to deliver critical ammunition and evacuate wounded Soldiers. Completing 22 flights through relentless enemy fire, his actions saved countless lives and became one of the most celebrated acts of courage in Army aviation history.

With Colonel Crandall's passing, there are now 63 living Medal of Honor Recipients.

Please join us in extending our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Crandall family.

05/28/2026

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1445342560965153&id=100064682681580

Today we remember PFC William Anthony Beland of East St. Louis, Illinois, who fell on this day in 1967. William is remembered by his sister, Cynthia:

"My brother use to come home on leave and take me skating . We had such a good time."

PFC William Anthony Beland is honored on Panel 20E, Line 109 of The Wall: https://bit.ly/3GXDUwq

To honor your Vietnam veteran on our Facebook please fill out the following form: https://bit.ly/3k7AlWK

05/26/2026

Today we remember PVT Joseph Anthony Maggio Jr of Melrose Park, Illinois, who fell on this day in 1967. Joseph is remembered by his classmate, Tami:

"Joe was a classmate of mine at Proviso East High School, Class of '65. He was just 19 years old when he was killed in Vietnam by friendly fire, along with four others. Joe served with K Company, 3rd Bn., 4th Mar. Regt., 3rd Mar. Div. (Operation Hickory, Hill 117). He is buried at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Hillside, Cook County, Illinois (outside of Chicago). He is forever remembered and missed by his friends and classmates. Rest in Peace, Joe."

PVT Joseph Anthony Maggio Jr is honored on Panel 20E, Line 104 of The Wall: https://bit.ly/4j9w6F6

To honor your Vietnam veteran on our Facebook please fill out the following form: https://bit.ly/3k7AlWK

05/23/2026

Today we remember CAPT Dean Paul St Pierre of Kankakee, Illinois, who fell on this day in 1968. Dean is remembered by his brother-in-law, Chuck:

"I last saw Dean alive in the Summer of 1963, when I had breakfast with him on campus at Eastern Illinois University. Dean was graduating and I was entering as a Freshman in the Fall. I joined Sigma Pi Fraternity as the result of Dean's influence. I met Dean when I started dating his younger sister, Barbara when she and I were in high school. Dean was one of the good guys and I still ache inside at the thought of his loss. Dean was shot down four months after my tour ended with the 1st Marine Air Wing in DaNang in February 1968, he is listed as MIA. I have yet to forgive the politicians that put us there and wasted all those lives on both sides for their personal gain. Dean, I look forward to your company when we meet on the other side.

Your Brother,

Chuck Firmwalt

Oceanside, California"

CAPT Dean Paul St Pierre is honored on Panel 66E, Line 3 of The Wall: https://bit.ly/3EX9iKV

To honor your Vietnam veteran on our Facebook please fill out the following form: https://bit.ly/3k7AlWK