Brokaw to Help Goodwill Honor Veterans
Peoria, IL – May 5, 2008 - Patty Fuchs, CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois, announced today that Tom Brokaw, renowned NBC anchor and author, will be the keynote speaker for “To Honor and To Serve: The Goodwill Veterans Recognition Event” scheduled for Thursday, November 20 at the Peoria Civic Center. The announcement was made at the organization’s Home for Veterans, which is located in Peoria.
The event was originally scheduled for November 10, 2007 with General Wayne Downing as the keynote speaker. The General was pleased to help honor his fellow veterans from throughout central Illinois. When General Downing passed away last year, Goodwill decided to continue seeking a speaker that would honor General Downing’s memory and convey the same deep respect he felt all veterans deserve. Tom Brokaw was the most appropriate choice. According to Mrs. Kathy Downing, Tom and Wayne had become good friends during his role as a consultant and analyst for NBC, a position he held following his retirement as Commander-in-Chief of the United States Special Operations. The two made several trips to Normandy together and Wayne actually contributed to Brokaw’s latest book “Boom.”
“We are very pleased that the veterans throughout our Goodwill territory will be honored by Mr. Brokaw’s participation in this event. We are confident that the public will join us in honoring our fellow citizens who have served this country in times of war and peace and across the generations,” stated Fuchs. “We encourage everyone to learn more about our work with veterans and to take part in honoring them with us in November.”
The Goodwill Home for Veterans opened three years ago in May of 2005. It is the state’s first permanent supportive home for honorably discharged male veterans who have been homeless and suffer from one or more diagnosed disabilities.
Further information on the event and the service programs of Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois is available by calling 309-682-1113 or by visiting the not-for-profit’s website at www.goodwillpeo.org.
The central Illinois Goodwill is one of 184 members of Goodwill Industries International. It is accredited by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) and is a member agency of the Heart of Illinois United Way. Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois was incorporated in 1934 and serves an 18-county territory.
Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois, Inc.
2319 East War Memorial Drive • Peoria, Illinois 61614-8014 • (309) 682-1113
URL: http://www.goodwillpeo.org/brokaw.shtml
