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

Our members are involved supporting 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 & Middle East, 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.  Contact us with requests.

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 2025 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: May 2025 Ukraine and Russia in the second Trump Era; Sept 2025 China's Military and Strategy

Chapter’s Program on 15 April 2025 will be "AI and American National Security"

Artificial Intelligence is a dual-use technology which has both significant civilian and military uses. Our National security will be affected by both uses.  Foreign Policy's Great Decisions has provided discussion topics for our Chapter to explore.  Military Defense, Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Export Policies, Job Impact, AI Ethics are some topics we will can discuss at a high level.

CAPT Robert H. Yonker will facilitate our discussion.  He was commissioned in 1971, served aboard the USS Inflict (MSO-456) participating in Vietnam Maritime Coastal Surveillance and in Operation End Sweep.  CAPT Yonker has served in several Naval Reserve Units as Dept Head, Executive Officer, and as Commanding Officer for five commands.