Though she wore long sleeves, Jean Driscoll’s muscular arms were evident as she confidently gripped the handrims of her wheelchair. She hasn’t competed professionally in years, but Driscoll clearly maintains her athletic physique, as well as her drive for success. The seven-time winner of the Boston Marathon in the women’s wheelchair division visited the Illinois […]
military
Posted inNews
Man on fire
J.R. Martinez says he used to worry that his appearance would frighten children. Now he proudly embraces the rippled burn scars that cover much of his face, hands and other body parts. In 2003, the former Army infantryman, now 28, was badly burned by a landmine in Iraq. Martinez survived the injury and overcame the […]
Posted inNews
The Forgotten War
During the cold December of 1951, 12 Illinois military service members lost their lives in the Korean War. Those Marines and Army troops from Illinois were among 1,754 Illinoisans and the 54,246 Americans killed 60 years ago in “The Forgotten War” that ran from June 1950 to July 1953. To remember the 60th anniversary of […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Street picnic
A 64-year-old tradition continues as Chatham American Legion Post 759 hosts Homecoming, its “street picnic” on the Chatham square Thursday, June 23, through Saturday, June 25. Carnival rides are only $1 on Thursday night from 5 p.m. to close, and Saturday from 12-4 p.m. Food and drinks include walleye fish sandwiches, chicken strips, river fries, […]
Posted inNews
The longest war
The steady drumbeat of the helicopter rotors was the best sound 2nd Platoon had heard all day, coming from the southwest – the three dots quickly turned into two Apache attack helicopters escorting the medevac Black Hawk. The medevac stood off until the Apaches, with 30mm cannons blazing, made sure that any insurgents left in […]
Posted inNews
Patriot Guard watches over military funerals
About 100 somber men and women in black leather vests line every pathway in front of the cream-colored funeral home in Chatham. On every vest is a collection of colorful patches proclaiming the wearer’s religion, military service and other affiliations and creeds. Most arrived earlier that day on rumbling motorcycles, and each now holds an […]
Posted inOpinion
Something about a man in uniform
You wouldn’t think it was possible for a soldier to shoot himself in the back while marching toward the front line, but Congressman Mark “Don’t Get Fooled Again” Kirk has managed to do it several times. By all accounts a capable intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve, Mr. Kirk felt compelled to make himself out […]
Posted inOpinion
HEART AND SEOUL
For the past three years, Carl Greenwood has been writing and researching a booklet on the Korean War — not to make money, but simply because he feels it is a forgotten conflict that got “lost in the cracks between World War II and Vietnam.” He’s the same Carl Greenwood who spearheaded the effort to […]
