To Honor and To Serve

The Goodwill Veterans' Recognition Event

Every two years in November, Goodwill hosts a major fundraising event to honor the memory of General Wayne A. Downing of Peoria and recognize local military personnel, veterans, family members and supporting organizations. Money raised is used to help returning veterans find jobs, housing and support services. Past keynote speakers include Tom Brokaw and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Oliver North, and awards are given in five categories:

• The Veteran Patriot Award honors a U.S. veteran from any branch of service who has used his or her military experience, in times of war or peace, to provide exemplary support to veterans and the community.

• The Military Patriot Award acknowledges an active military member who shows incredible courage and determination while working to assure services and support systems are in place for all veterans.

• The Citizen Patriot Award honors a civilian who brings awareness to the needs and issues faced by veterans to improve their care and public support.

• The Business / Association Patriot Award honors an organization that has gone above and beyond normal practices to support veterans and active members of the Guard, Reserve or active duty military personnel.

• The General Wayne A. Downing Award, our highest honor, is named to honor the integrity and service of General Wayne A. Downing. The recipient is chosen from one of the four award winners above.

If you're interested in becoming a sponsor for the event or in nominating an individual or business for one of the awards, please contact Jim Lynch at (309) 573-5700 or jlynch@goodwillpeo.org.

 

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