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We honor those that have served Meritoriously!
Below are those that have recently been honored that belong to the Hayes/Krell Memorial Chapter.

Eric Murphy

Newest MemberEric Murphy is the newest member of Chapter 159. Eric is an Iraq veteran and is the IDVA Legislative Liaison.
Ronald Craig

Ron Craig

New member of Chapter 159Ron served as a helicopter door gunner in Vietnam and was awarded 3 Purple Hearts. His wife Marilyn became an Auxiliary member and his son Miles and children became Associate members.
Donald Hickey

Donald Hickey

70 Years of Waiting Donald Hickey finally recieved his Purple Heart after 70 years of waiting. Mr. Hickey was serving on a aircrsft carrier and was wounded at the Cape of Africia during WW II. He was surrounded by his large and proud family.

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viola fundraiser

Viola Fundraiser

Viola fundraiser in Lincoln 9/1/18, having a great day with these Patriots.
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Honor Flight

Julie Dowding, Chapter 159 Auxiliary President serving once again as a Guardian for a Honor Flight veteran.
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Join the Hayes/Krell Memorial Chapter
The Chapter has grown to over 300 Purple Heart recipients, Associate and Auxiliary members throughout Illinois. We are among the fastest growing chapters in the United States. Our members time in service range from WW II to Iraq and Afghanistan. Our members include Medal of Honor recipients, and a U.S. Senator, all with one thing in common; we are all blood brothers and sisters.
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Latest Inspiring Stories & More

25 July 2019

4th Annual Purple Heart Ceremony

Hayes-Krell Chapter 159 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart will be hosting the 4th Annual Purple Heart Ceremony on August 4, 2019, at 1:00 PM at the Illinois State War Memorial Site at Oak Ridge Cemetary, 1441 Monument Ave, Springfield, IL 62702

08 May 2019

Department of Illinois State Meeting

 

The 81st Annual Department of Illinois Meeting of the Military Order of the Purple Heart was held May 5th, 2019 in Oaklawn, Ilinois.

The election of new State Officers included two members of Chapter 159, Pete Dowding was elected to the position of Jr. Vice-Commander and Dan Wellman was appointed as the Legislative Laison.  

29 January 2019

Shiloh Purple Heart Community

Shiloh, IL, recently signed a proclamation designating Shiloh as a Purple Heart Community.

 

Shiloh Proclamation (PDF)

29 January 2019

Bicentennial 200 Nominations

The Chapter had five members nominated for the "Bicentennial 200" celebration that took place December 3rd at the Navy Pier in Chicago. 200 veterans from across the State were selected for their continued service to veterans and their communities. Pictured from (L) to (R) are Dale Hunter, WW II, Vince Speranza, WW II, Eric Murphy, War on Terror, Joe Schaler, Vietnam. Not pictured is Tom Reynolds, Vietnam.

29 January 2019

Vince Speranza

One of the Chapter's new members is Vince Speranza from Auburn. Vince served in the Army and participated in the Battle of the Bulge where he was wounded. Vince was awarded the Purple Heart and among many other awards he also received the French Legion Medal of Merit.

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16 October 2018

Governor Rauner Presented with Patch

Governor Rauner (Il.) is being presented a 'Proud Purple Heart Supporter' patch by Commander Schaler of Chapter 159, Springfield, Il. prior to the 'Ride in Honor'. Governor Rauner signed the Proclamation making Illinois a Purple Heart State as well as contributing to the Chapters Purple Heart monument at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Officers Chapter 159

Commander: Joe SchalerMarine Corps, Vietnam, Member of IDVA Advisory Council, Chairman of Logan County Veterans Assistance Commission. Resides in Lincoln, Illinois.
Senior Vice Commander: Peter DowdingArmy, Iraq, resides in Springfield, Illinois.
craig allen
Jr Vice Commander: Craig AllenMarine Corp, 4 yrs., Vietnam, joined IL National Guard, retired after 22 years as Battalion Exo with the rank of Major. Served as Commander of Chapter 730 in Henderson NV. Resides in Chatam, Illinois.
Finance Officer: Gordon BrennerArmy, Vietnam, past Chapter Commander and Past State Commander.Former Chairman of Macon County Veterans Assistance Commission and former Member of Macon County Board. Resides in Decatur, Illinois.