The mission of Heart of Illinois Chapter is to benefit the members of the uniformed services, their families and survivors, and to advocate for a strong national defense, while providing support to the community and programs to grow our members.

In order to continue these great programs and activities we need great members, that’s where you come in. We still meet at the Lariat Steakhouse 2232 W Glen Ave Peoria on the third Tuesday of the month except June, July, August and December.  We have added the ability to join Chapter meetings using ZOOM if you cannot attend in person. The Camaraderie before the meeting is vibrant and we all learn from each other during our meetings.  To join our Chapter, Please reply to our Chapter president  david.zabinski@comcast.net or Membership Chairman jimlemon1@comcast.net 

Our members have been involved in such endeavors as “Tee it up for the Troops”, Honor Flights, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, ROTC, JROTC, Veterans Affairs, and several others.  In addition, our programs range from current affairs such as Ukraine vs Russia, critical military impacts such as Tricare changes, and “Planning for Military Spousal Benefits.”  We are always looking for other ways to support the military in our Chapter region.

Of course, our reason for existence is to influence legislation that affects the military, especially retirees, and there is much of that floating around these days – such as 2023 Tricare changes. And we track what affects Active and Reserve/Guard as well. With so little military experience in our legislature these days, they need our voice.

Future Planned Programs: Survivor Benefits; Tee It Up For The Troops; VA Update

Chapter Jan 17^th Meeting – “Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve ESGR”

Michael Holub is a Chicago area native who spent 40+ years as a police officer, including more than 20 years as a Chief of Police. He is Vice Chair of the Illinois ESGR and also an Army Veteran, having served with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), the Army's Official Honor Guard and Escort to the President.  He will present on ESGR and his Honor Guard experience.  Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85087399079?pwd=Y1ZhbGtER21MVlB1aFlkVkFRRnZjUT09

Chapter Feb 21 Meeting – “War in the Ukraine – Past & Future”

Professor Angela Weck teaches Bradley University's International Studies courses on Russia (Imperial Russia and Russian Foreign Policy).  She is also Executive Director of the Peoria Area World Affairs Council and a member of the Board of Directors of the World Affairs Councils of America.  Professor Weck received her B.A. from Iowa State University, and an M.A. from University of Minnesota in Russian and Eastern European Studies, and holds a Special Certificate from the Moscow Institute of Timber in Mytyschi, Russia.  Professor Weck has always presented in engaging and informative program.  Bring your questions. This will be an interesting program!  Program starts approximatwly at 1900.

by Zoom or in-person Lariat Steak House Peoria IL.  Feb 21, 2023 1800 (06:00 PM Central Time) Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84674621050?pwd=eHdub3VwOXVXcUpPTVMrY3V1MmRmUT09

Meeting ID: 846 7462 1050 Passcode: 123123