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 others.  In addition, our programs range from current affairs such as Ukraine vs Russia, critical military impacts such as Tricare changes, “Planning for Military Spousal Benefits” and military historical learnings. 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: · Illinos Military representation and support.  Representative LaHood military Liaison. Oct

· VA Supt of Peoria County Assist Advisory Committee. Nov

Chapter May 16^th Meeting – “Tee It Up For The Troops TIUFTT Join Jeff Kolbus, a Peoria local business leader and head of the Peoria TIUFTT, and MAJ Jerry Jackson, our former Chapter president, as they discuss the Peoria Area “Tee It Up For The Troops” event.  What is TIUFTT? How is community benefited? Can I get involved? Both Jeff and Jerry have provided leadership in the TIUFTT for many years and bring their passion for supporting the military thru the event!

Program starts approximately at 1900 by Zoom or in-person at Lariat Steak House Peoria IL.  May 19^th, 2023 1800 social Central Time.  Zoom link : https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84674621050?pwd=eHdub3VwOXVXcUpPTVMrY3V1MmRmUT09  

Meeting ID: 846 7462 1050 Passcode: 123123

Chapter September 19th Meeting – “Conversation on Russo-Ukrainian War Today - Weaponry and a prediction that Ukraine isolates and punches into Crimea"   Our program presenter is Prof Joe Roach, former Bradley University Professor, Dept Chair, and the founding Director of International Programs for faculty and students. He was also selected as a Foreign Member of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, Moscow in 1994. Joe is a former marine.  He served with the First Marine Air Wing, Marine Air Group1. This will be a very interesting program! Bring your questions