Goodwill Announces Call For Nominations

Goodwill Announces Call for Nominations for Veterans Recognition
Dinner featuring Tom Brokaw

Peoria, IL – September 9, 2008 – Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois is seeking nominations for a series of awards to be presented at “To Honor and To Serve: The Goodwill Veterans Recognition Event” scheduled for Thursday, November 20th at the Peoria Civic Center. Tom Brokaw is the guest speaker for the event. He is joining Goodwill to thank veterans from throughout central Illinois and to honor the memory of his friend, General Wayne A. Downing. Mrs. Kathy Downing is honorary chair of the Goodwill event. In November, the Goodwill Home for Veterans will be named in honor of General Downing.

A major part of the event will be the awards presented to those who support veterans and continue to their issues and needs in the forefront. There are a total of five awards to be made.

Caterpillar, Inc. is sponsoring The General Wayne A. Downing Award. This award is to honor the integrity and service of General Downing, a man who served the people of the United States so that the benefits of freedom and democracy may be enjoyed by all of humanity. It is the most prestigious of the awards to be made at the event.

Advanced Technology Services, Inc. is sponsoring The Veteran Patriot Award which honors a veteran who has used their military experience to serve and support other veterans and the community in which they live.

Vonachen Services Inc. is sponsoring The Military Patriot Award for an active military member who shows incredible courage and determination to fulfill their duties and while doing so encourages all those with whom he or she serves. In addition this individual works diligently to find ways to assure services and support systems are in place for all military veterans, now and in the future.

CEFCU is sponsoring The Citizen Patriot Award for a civilian who brings greater awareness to the needs and issues faced by veterans through leadership and ongoing support.

OSF St. Francis Medical Center is sponsoring The Business/Association Patriot Award for a business or organization that goes above and beyond to support veterans or active members of the Guard, Reserve or Active Duty military personnel.


Nominations for the above four awards will be accepted by Goodwill through October 20th. Details, including specific criteria and a nomination form for each award, can be found at www.goodwillpeo.org or may be obtained from Goodwill by calling 309-682-1113.


Selection will be made by a group of judges representing veterans, active military members and community leaders. Winners will be announced at the event.

Ticket Information

A limited number of tickets are still available for the event. Table sponsorships and individual tickets are still available on a first come, first serve basis. A reservation form is available on Goodwill’s website. For further information contact Duffy Armstrong at darmstrong@goodwillpeo.org or by calling 309-682-1113, ext. 123.


Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois, Inc. is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) organization serving a territory encompassing more than 18 counties. It is a member of Goodwill Industries International, is accredited by CARF, and is a member agency of the Heart of Illinois United Way. Administrative Offices are located in Peoria.