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 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:  Apr2024 "Sisu: Finland's Defense Since 1917" by Prof David Thompson

May2024 "Jewish Federation in Peoria Area" by Sue Katz

Chapter’s 17 March 2024 program is "Ukraine: Will year three be different?" Zoom available

As the war in Ukraine moves into its third year, Angela Weck will discuss the challenges facing Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in continuing to defend his territory from Russia's invasion. Russia's President Vladimir Putin faces his own hurdles as he continues to wage this war of aggression against a peaceful neighbor. Whose challenges will be harder to overcome may be the answer to how long this war will last. 

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.  This will be an interesting program!