McHenry County Blog

Unsuccessful 8th congressional district GOP primary candidate Ken Arnold has sent the following email to those who helped his campaign:

“THANK YOU for all of your efforts on my campaign’s behalf. I wanted to personally write you about that because I deeply appreciated your efforts and will always remember them.

“It is too bad that the voters effectively went with MONEY rather than MATTER. That several, slick brochures worth of mailings that looked good – but said nothing – won out.

“Citizens who knew me best (my own neighbors within my Precinct) voted for me by OVER 2 to 1 against the winner of this contest (i.e. Mr. Greenberg).

“But, sadly, I did not have the ‘megaphone of communications’ to inform all residents of the District like others had. Consequently, the citizens may just get the government they worked for — while we knew of a better way.

“All of this lends credence in my mind to the argument that we should simply STOP holding elections. We should simply have Dunn and Bradstreet financial audits and he who has the most money – wins! That would save our society a lot of funds and wear and tear.

“Sadly, this seems to get closer to today’s realities than I would have ever wished for our Republic. If nothing is done about it, it will surely lead to our downfall because, as you know; money and merit are not always with high degrees of correlation.

“Again, it is with deep appreciation that I write you today. I wish you well on your own endeavors. On my end, I shall immediately return to my consulting and other business pursuits that will take quite some time to rebuild (see http://www.civildefensesurvivalbox.com). Should you know of anyone who wishes to invest in this product’s pursuit, has needed employee benefits consulting work within their firm to complete, or wishes to financially support the completion of a book on 21st Century American Conservatism (I can provide the details to those interested), I would be pleased to receive a telephone call or email from them for further details.

“In the interim, now concluding my efforts at trying to get to Washington to help fix our many problems, I perhaps know I did my duty as a citizen/patriot and, in my heart, know that God has other plans for me in my life on earth. After trying so hard and long (in 2006 and 2008), I truly am satisfied in that thought…

“On a political end and to my many supporters, I say that we must ‘take the longer view’ after this Primary and realize that the 8th District could very well be pivotal in determining the majority in Congress as well as who the Speaker of the House shall be. For this reason alone, we must surely support nominee Steve Greenberg against Democrat incumbent Congressman Melissa Bean.

“Yours for a better Republic,

“Ken Arnold”

= = = = =
The sign came from outside of the Nunda Township Republican Central Committee’s 8th congressional district Republican debate, where I took lots of notes and pictures, but did not find time to write up.

Unsuccessful 8th congressional district GOP primary candidate Ken Arnold has sent the following email to those who helped his campaign:

“THANK YOU for all of your efforts on my campaign’s behalf. I wanted to personally write you about that because I deeply appreciated your efforts and will always remember them.

“It is too bad that the voters effectively went with MONEY rather than MATTER. That several, slick brochures worth of mailings that looked good – but said nothing – won out.

“Citizens who knew me best (my own neighbors within my Precinct) voted for me by OVER 2 to 1 against the winner of this contest (i.e. Mr. Greenberg).

“But, sadly, I did not have the ‘megaphone of communications’ to inform all residents of the District like others had. Consequently, the citizens may just get the government they worked for — while we knew of a better way.

“All of this lends credence in my mind to the argument that we should simply STOP holding elections. We should simply have Dunn and Bradstreet financial audits and he who has the most money – wins! That would save our society a lot of funds and wear and tear.

“Sadly, this seems to get closer to today’s realities than I would have ever wished for our Republic. If nothing is done about it, it will surely lead to our downfall because, as you know; money and merit are not always with high degrees of correlation.

“Again, it is with deep appreciation that I write you today. I wish you well on your own endeavors. On my end, I shall immediately return to my consulting and other business pursuits that will take quite some time to rebuild (see http://www.civildefensesurvivalbox.com). Should you know of anyone who wishes to invest in this product’s pursuit, has needed employee benefits consulting work within their firm to complete, or wishes to financially support the completion of a book on 21st Century American Conservatism (I can provide the details to those interested), I would be pleased to receive a telephone call or email from them for further details.

“In the interim, now concluding my efforts at trying to get to Washington to help fix our many problems, I perhaps know I did my duty as a citizen/patriot and, in my heart, know that God has other plans for me in my life on earth. After trying so hard and long (in 2006 and 2008), I truly am satisfied in that thought…

“On a political end and to my many supporters, I say that we must ‘take the longer view’ after this Primary and realize that the 8th District could very well be pivotal in determining the majority in Congress as well as who the Speaker of the House shall be. For this reason alone, we must surely support nominee Steve Greenberg against Democrat incumbent Congressman Melissa Bean.

“Yours for a better Republic,

“Ken Arnold”

= = = = =
The sign came from outside of the Nunda Township Republican Central Committee’s 8th congressional district Republican debate, where I took lots of notes and pictures, but did not find time to write up.

8th congressional district Republican candidate Ken Arnold has sent the following press release:

Stop the Presses! Politician Makes Good on Promise to Citizens

Gurnee, IL: Eighth District Republican congressional candidate, Kenneth “Ken” Arnold, this past week released his 24th and 25

Since the start of his campaign, he has termed each one his “white paper solution” on various problems and has posted all under the “Creative Solutions” tab within his www.ArnoldforCongress.com website.

These two detailed papers make for an astounding twenty-five (25) detailed and original initiatives by Mr. Arnold on how to solve a broad range of Federal and regional problems.

The breath of subjects Mr. Arnold has tackled include our National Healthcare crises, area transportation problems, Federal budgeting and spending improvements, tax reform, energy independence, and many other national problems. He has even tackled local or regional issues such as how to permanently fix the Des Plaines River flooding problems and how to immediately build the Route 53 extension.

Candidate Ken Arnold states:

“When I announced at the start of this campaign in August, 2007 that I would present to the voters “twenty four and more” original and creative solutions for the problems of our day, several of my advisors advised against it. They said it was way too ambitious of goal in the heat of an election campaign.”

But Mr. Arnold points out:

“I felt with all our Federal problems, the People demanded solutions – and my campaign would be one of showing voters that there ARE effective and good solutions, if we only think creatively!”

The Arnold campaign points out that despite Mr. Arnold, three times within candidate forums and other venues, challenging his fellow Republican opponents – Steve Greenberg and Kirk Morris – to follow his lead and “show their stuff” before the voters, they have failed to do so. The Arnold campaign states Ken Arnold’s opponents have shown nothing similar in original and creative solutions on their websites or within their campaigns.

Ken Arnold outlines:

“Mine is a unique campaign based upon the power of ideas, and ideals — rather than empty words and smooth talking charm. With so many serious problems before us, I am betting that the voters of the 8th District are looking for solution finders and not vague politicians that do nothing to solve our problems.”

He went on to note:

“It is for this reason that I know that incumbent Democrat Congressman Melissa Bean can be beat. For she has not created a single material and creative solution to our major problems in her now two terms in office! Citizens are, indeed, frustrated. There is a better way…”

For more information, or to donate to Ken Arnold’s campaign for Congress, citizens may either log onto his website or call the campaign at headquarters at 847-207-1167.

8th congressional district Republican candidate Ken Arnold has sent the following press release:

Stop the Presses! Politician Makes Good on Promise to Citizens

Gurnee, IL: Eighth District Republican congressional candidate, Kenneth “Ken” Arnold, this past week released his 24th and 25

Since the start of his campaign, he has termed each one his “white paper solution” on various problems and has posted all under the “Creative Solutions” tab within his www.ArnoldforCongress.com website.

These two detailed papers make for an astounding twenty-five (25) detailed and original initiatives by Mr. Arnold on how to solve a broad range of Federal and regional problems.

The breath of subjects Mr. Arnold has tackled include our National Healthcare crises, area transportation problems, Federal budgeting and spending improvements, tax reform, energy independence, and many other national problems. He has even tackled local or regional issues such as how to permanently fix the Des Plaines River flooding problems and how to immediately build the Route 53 extension.

Candidate Ken Arnold states:

“When I announced at the start of this campaign in August, 2007 that I would present to the voters “twenty four and more” original and creative solutions for the problems of our day, several of my advisors advised against it. They said it was way too ambitious of goal in the heat of an election campaign.”

But Mr. Arnold points out:

“I felt with all our Federal problems, the People demanded solutions – and my campaign would be one of showing voters that there ARE effective and good solutions, if we only think creatively!”

The Arnold campaign points out that despite Mr. Arnold, three times within candidate forums and other venues, challenging his fellow Republican opponents – Steve Greenberg and Kirk Morris – to follow his lead and “show their stuff” before the voters, they have failed to do so. The Arnold campaign states Ken Arnold’s opponents have shown nothing similar in original and creative solutions on their websites or within their campaigns.

Ken Arnold outlines:

“Mine is a unique campaign based upon the power of ideas, and ideals — rather than empty words and smooth talking charm. With so many serious problems before us, I am betting that the voters of the 8th District are looking for solution finders and not vague politicians that do nothing to solve our problems.”

He went on to note:

“It is for this reason that I know that incumbent Democrat Congressman Melissa Bean can be beat. For she has not created a single material and creative solution to our major problems in her now two terms in office! Citizens are, indeed, frustrated. There is a better way…”

For more information, or to donate to Ken Arnold’s campaign for Congress, citizens may either log onto his website or call the campaign at headquarters at 847-207-1167.

Sure to engender outrage from African-Americans is 8th congressional district Republican primary candidate Ken Arnold’s suggestion to change Martin Luther King’s Birthday to American Martyr Day and broaden its purpose to commemorate martyrs of all races, an additional one to be selected by the president each year.

Arnold also released a white paper on his plan to loan Iraq money for 75 years to finance the war. 25% of future oil profits would back the loans.

His press release follows:

Gurnee, IL: Eighth District Republican congressional candidate, Kenneth “Ken” Arnold, released two additional “white paper solutions” on his www.ArnoldforCongress.com website today.

These two make for an astounding twenty-five (25) detailed and original initiatives by Mr. Arnold on how to solve a broad range of Federal and regional problems. Neither of his opponents, Mr. Kirk Morris or Mr. Steve Greenberg, have attempted to develop a single similar creative initiative.

Mr. Arnold’s first outlined initiative is his proposal to rename, and expand the meaning of Martin Luther King’s Birthday.

Ken Arnold states:

“Making this a holiday dedicating ALL American Martyrs improves both the intentions of this Holiday and participation of the Nation in the principles of Martin Luther King and so many other Americans.”

Mr. Arnold suggests renaming the Holiday “American Martyrs Day” and having all notable, civilian Americans (regardless of race, creed, or color) who have suffered hardship – and even death – to promote the highest of American ideals to be recognized on that day.

Candidate Arnold points out that this newly configured Holiday would be like combining President’s birthdays for “Presidents Day.” It would also be the civilian equivalent to Veterans Day.

The newly configured holiday would hereafter honor not only Martin Luther King, but perhaps such notables as Bobby Kennedy, Sitting Bull, Rosa Parks, and 9/11 civilian hero Todd Beamer – all of them civilians within our society.

Each year, moreover, the President would induct another American into this Holiday by proclamation on this Holiday (still to be observed on Martin Luther King’s birthday).

Candidate Ken Arnold’s second released white paper is an interesting suggestion he has promoted since early on in the Iraq War – essentially not relying on American taxpayers for the costs of defense and Nation building in Iraq but giving Iraq long term loans to do so. Ken Arnold’s original-thinking idea is to extend 75-year loans where 25 percent of future oil profits are used to repay the American taxpayer over that 75-year period.

Mr. Arnold states:

“Why should the American taxpayer pay twice – once thru their tax dollars and once at the gas pump! And all this taxpayer money is spent on the second richest country in the world – Iraq!”

He goes on to state:

“The War is necessary, but should it not be enough that America’s young soldiers are committed and our national attentions are invested in this enterprise? Do we also have to simply give money to one of the richest nations in the world?”

These two creative and original initiatives written by candidate Ken Arnold join twenty-three others already posted for download within the “Creative Solutions” section of his campaign website at www.ArnoldforCongress.com.

Mr. Arnold observes:

“Obviously, with so many creative initiatives across so wide of breath of subject areas: I am truly demonstrating to the voters that I am immediately able to serve as their Representative in Washington. I don’t need to ‘look at the problems’ like my opponents apparently say they need to do – I’ve been studying and analyzing them for years and, in some cases, been doing so for a decade and longer.”

For more information, or to donate to Ken Arnold’s campaign for Congress, citizens may either log onto his website at www.ArnoldforCongress.com or call the campaign at headquarters at 847-207-1167.

Sure to engender outrage from African-Americans is 8th congressional district Republican primary candidate Ken Arnold’s suggestion to change Martin Luther King’s Birthday to American Martyr Day and broaden its purpose to commemorate martyrs of all races, an additional one to be selected by the president each year.

Arnold also released a white paper on his plan to loan Iraq money for 75 years to finance the war. 25% of future oil profits would back the loans.

His press release follows:

Gurnee, IL: Eighth District Republican congressional candidate, Kenneth “Ken” Arnold, released two additional “white paper solutions” on his www.ArnoldforCongress.com website today.

These two make for an astounding twenty-five (25) detailed and original initiatives by Mr. Arnold on how to solve a broad range of Federal and regional problems. Neither of his opponents, Mr. Kirk Morris or Mr. Steve Greenberg, have attempted to develop a single similar creative initiative.

Mr. Arnold’s first outlined initiative is his proposal to rename, and expand the meaning of Martin Luther King’s Birthday.

Ken Arnold states:

“Making this a holiday dedicating ALL American Martyrs improves both the intentions of this Holiday and participation of the Nation in the principles of Martin Luther King and so many other Americans.”

Mr. Arnold suggests renaming the Holiday “American Martyrs Day” and having all notable, civilian Americans (regardless of race, creed, or color) who have suffered hardship – and even death – to promote the highest of American ideals to be recognized on that day.

Candidate Arnold points out that this newly configured Holiday would be like combining President’s birthdays for “Presidents Day.” It would also be the civilian equivalent to Veterans Day.

The newly configured holiday would hereafter honor not only Martin Luther King, but perhaps such notables as Bobby Kennedy, Sitting Bull, Rosa Parks, and 9/11 civilian hero Todd Beamer – all of them civilians within our society.

Each year, moreover, the President would induct another American into this Holiday by proclamation on this Holiday (still to be observed on Martin Luther King’s birthday).

Candidate Ken Arnold’s second released white paper is an interesting suggestion he has promoted since early on in the Iraq War – essentially not relying on American taxpayers for the costs of defense and Nation building in Iraq but giving Iraq long term loans to do so. Ken Arnold’s original-thinking idea is to extend 75-year loans where 25 percent of future oil profits are used to repay the American taxpayer over that 75-year period.

Mr. Arnold states:

“Why should the American taxpayer pay twice – once thru their tax dollars and once at the gas pump! And all this taxpayer money is spent on the second richest country in the world – Iraq!”

He goes on to state:

“The War is necessary, but should it not be enough that America’s young soldiers are committed and our national attentions are invested in this enterprise? Do we also have to simply give money to one of the richest nations in the world?”

These two creative and original initiatives written by candidate Ken Arnold join twenty-three others already posted for download within the “Creative Solutions” section of his campaign website at www.ArnoldforCongress.com.

Mr. Arnold observes:

“Obviously, with so many creative initiatives across so wide of breath of subject areas: I am truly demonstrating to the voters that I am immediately able to serve as their Representative in Washington. I don’t need to ‘look at the problems’ like my opponents apparently say they need to do – I’ve been studying and analyzing them for years and, in some cases, been doing so for a decade and longer.”

For more information, or to donate to Ken Arnold’s campaign for Congress, citizens may either log onto his website at www.ArnoldforCongress.com or call the campaign at headquarters at 847-207-1167.

This past week 8th congressional district Congresswoman Melissa Bean got endorsed in her Democratic Party primary over peace candidate challenger Randi Scheurer.

In the Republican Party primary, benefits consultant Ken Arnold got the nod over his two opponents, Steve Greenberg and Kirk Morris.

Only one paragraph was dedicated to each endorsement, which was included with a bunch of other congressional endorsements.

There is a characteriture of Bean sitting at the back of the wagon. I have reproduced it large enough for you to see.

“8th: Democratic Rep. Melissa Bean, who describes herself as ‘moderate mainstream’ and a ‘fiscal conservative’ was first elected to congress in 2004. She authored and led passage of an Internet education safety program and co-sponsored initiatives to track sex offenders online. Bean, who has worked issues across the aisle, including transportation funding, is endorsed over Randi Scheurer, whose husband Bill Scheurer, ran against Bean as an independent.

“Vying in the Republican primary are businessmen Steve Greenberg, Kenneth Arnold and Kirk Morris. Notably, Morris’ son, a Marine, was killed in Iraq. Arnold is strong on policy, while Greenberg has greater financial backing. Arnold is endorsed over Greenberg, because brains should matter more than bucks.”

I would note that Bill Scheurer did not run as an independent. He created his own party, which he named the Moderate Party. I would also note that the editorial does not point out that both Scheurers ran to protest Bean’s position on the Iraq War.

So, what difference does the Sun-Times endorsement make?

I got it in 1980 when I ran against incumbent Robert C. McClory, but still lost the primary election, carrying only McHenry of the three county district that looking like a crane.

And, they endorsed me in spite of my opposition to gun control, as they did Lynn Martin.

For those interested in history, here was the endorsement:
OFFICE: U.S. House. Term, 2 years
Salary, $60,662.50

13th DIST. Republicans Robert McClory, Cal Skinner, Jr. Democrats
Edward J. LaFlamme, Michael Reese

Despite a sharp tongue that can wound needlessly and obtuseness on some public transit maters, state Rep. Cal Skinner Jr. has served Illinois well on such complex matters as school taxes and urban sprawl—and as an idea-generator.

Incumbent Rep. Robert McClory’s stewardship of his office has been amiable but increasingly listless. And his recent vote for pork-barrel water projects belies his claimed opposition to wasteful spending.

Skinner favors innovative use of alcohol to increase fuel supplies and practical deregulation of various industries as an anti-inflation measure. Both men agree on such key issues as the need to promote savings and investment, but we think Skinner offers more intelligent, vigorous representation.

That was the year I was driving a Pinto that used 85% alcohol and 15% water.

That is not a typo.

Elgin’s Herb Hanson and an Elgin policeman, whose name escapes me right now, invented it. It smelled like a still going down the street. This same time, GM and Ford were producing all-alcohol fueled cars in Brazil, but refused to do so in the United States.

It only broke down once…just east on Route 120 of where the highway turns south in Greenwood Township. Fortunately, the very surprised farm family living on the northwest corner or Route 120 on Charles Road took pity and let me call Gravers in Woodstock to tow it in and give me a ride back to 360 S. Madison Street, Woodstock.

Lynn Martin got endorsed to fill John B. Anderson’s seat in the same editorial. She won.

And, no.

My filing system is not good enough that I could have found this if I were looking for it. I was looking for a small black-on-yellow “Write-In Vance Roberts” sign that we used when he ran for the Crystal Lake city council.

Instead, I found this bad copy of a February 29, 1980 Sun-Times editorial, plus a Re-Elect Bob McClory yard sign.

Click on the editorials and you should be able to read them. The other images can also be enlarged the same way.

This past week 8th congressional district Congresswoman Melissa Bean got endorsed in her Democratic Party primary over peace candidate challenger Randi Scheurer.

In the Republican Party primary, benefits consultant Ken Arnold got the nod over his two opponents, Steve Greenberg and Kirk Morris.

Only one paragraph was dedicated to each endorsement, which was included with a bunch of other congressional endorsements.

There is a characteriture of Bean sitting at the back of the wagon. I have reproduced it large enough for you to see.

“8th: Democratic Rep. Melissa Bean, who describes herself as ‘moderate mainstream’ and a ‘fiscal conservative’ was first elected to congress in 2004. She authored and led passage of an Internet education safety program and co-sponsored initiatives to track sex offenders online. Bean, who has worked issues across the aisle, including transportation funding, is endorsed over Randi Scheurer, whose husband Bill Scheurer, ran against Bean as an independent.

“Vying in the Republican primary are businessmen Steve Greenberg, Kenneth Arnold and Kirk Morris. Notably, Morris’ son, a Marine, was killed in Iraq. Arnold is strong on policy, while Greenberg has greater financial backing. Arnold is endorsed over Greenberg, because brains should matter more than bucks.”

I would note that Bill Scheurer did not run as an independent. He created his own party, which he named the Moderate Party. I would also note that the editorial does not point out that both Scheurers ran to protest Bean’s position on the Iraq War.

So, what difference does the Sun-Times endorsement make?

I got it in 1980 when I ran against incumbent Robert C. McClory, but still lost the primary election, carrying only McHenry of the three county district that looking like a crane.

And, they endorsed me in spite of my opposition to gun control, as they did Lynn Martin.

For those interested in history, here was the endorsement:
OFFICE: U.S. House. Term, 2 years
Salary, $60,662.50

13th DIST. Republicans Robert McClory, Cal Skinner, Jr. Democrats
Edward J. LaFlamme, Michael Reese

Despite a sharp tongue that can wound needlessly and obtuseness on some public transit maters, state Rep. Cal Skinner Jr. has served Illinois well on such complex matters as school taxes and urban sprawl—and as an idea-generator.

Incumbent Rep. Robert McClory’s stewardship of his office has been amiable but increasingly listless. And his recent vote for pork-barrel water projects belies his claimed opposition to wasteful spending.

Skinner favors innovative use of alcohol to increase fuel supplies and practical deregulation of various industries as an anti-inflation measure. Both men agree on such key issues as the need to promote savings and investment, but we think Skinner offers more intelligent, vigorous representation.

That was the year I was driving a Pinto that used 85% alcohol and 15% water.

That is not a typo.

Elgin’s Herb Hanson and an Elgin policeman, whose name escapes me right now, invented it. It smelled like a still going down the street. This same time, GM and Ford were producing all-alcohol fueled cars in Brazil, but refused to do so in the United States.

It only broke down once…just east on Route 120 of where the highway turns south in Greenwood Township. Fortunately, the very surprised farm family living on the northwest corner or Route 120 on Charles Road took pity and let me call Gravers in Woodstock to tow it in and give me a ride back to 360 S. Madison Street, Woodstock.

Lynn Martin got endorsed to fill John B. Anderson’s seat in the same editorial. She won.

And, no.

My filing system is not good enough that I could have found this if I were looking for it. I was looking for a small black-on-yellow “Write-In Vance Roberts” sign that we used when he ran for the Crystal Lake city council.

Instead, I found this bad copy of a February 29, 1980 Sun-Times editorial, plus a Re-Elect Bob McClory yard sign.

Click on the editorials and you should be able to read them. The other images can also be enlarged the same way.

A volunteer to 8th congressional district GOP primary candidate Kirk Morris sent me this press release about an award he received January 5th. Thought it might be of interest.

Citizen of the year for HIS service to veterans

Chicago – Gurnee resident Kirk Morris was honored by a Veterans Organization in Chicago for his work on behalf of Illinois veterans.

Morris is running for the Republican nomination for the Eighth Congressional District seat currently held by Democrat Melissa Bean. He faces Ken Arnold from Gurnee and Steve Greenberg from Buffalo Grove in the February 5, 2008 primary election.

Morris received the “Citizen of the Year Award” from the McCarthy Group in a ceremony held at St. Cajetan’s Church in Chicago on Saturday January 5th. The Group cited Morris for “his service above and beyond” the call of duty to Illinois veterans. The event was witnessed by more than 2,000 people who filled the pews.

Presenting the award to Mr. Morris was Mr. Allen Lynch, Medal of Honored recipient from Viet Nam who also lives in the Gurnee, IL area.

In a speech responding the award, Kirk Morris asked everyone in attendance to demonstrate their dedication to country by doing, instead of talking. “It is one thing to talk about what needs to be done, but without anyone taking action, talk will not help anyone without action,” said Morris.

The McCarthy Group was founded by Colonel Joseph McCarthy, who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions at Iwo Jima. During World War II, McCarthy was a captain commanding a rifle company attached to the Second Battalion, 24th Marines, and led an assault team across exposed ground to wipe out positions holding up the advance of his company.

The same Marine Corps Unit is now a reserve unit headquartered in Chicago . The battalion has been activated for second tour in Iraq

Also receiving Honors Saturday, was Marine Sgt Brian Woznicki, who earned three Purple Hearts in his two deployments to Iraq . One such award was the result of injuries he sustained in Spring of 2004, the same place and time PFC Geoffrey Morris, son of Kirk Morris, was killed in Iraq.

Chicago Firemen also presented an Iron cross to Navy Chaplain 2nd Lt. John Conrae, who served with the Marines on two tours in Iraq and is headed back for another deployment by the end of January. The cross was cut from the iron beam from the former World Trade Center on September 12, 2001.

“This cross has a lot of emotion and meaning attached to it. I will carry this to the Battlefront far any all to see. What a wonderful symbol and memoriam for those that are taking the battle back to those that caused such great loss of life in NY on September 11th,” said Conrae.

The Chicago Police Drum and Bagpipe Corps added ceremonial and processional music to the event.

Link to photo’s of the event.

= = = = =
The caption to the photo is “Medal of Honor recipient Mr. Allen Lynch presenting Kirk Morris with the 1st ever citizen of the year award from Medal of Honor recipient Joseph McCarthy foundation.”

A volunteer to 8th congressional district GOP primary candidate Kirk Morris sent me this press release about an award he received January 5th. Thought it might be of interest.

Citizen of the year for HIS service to veterans

Chicago – Gurnee resident Kirk Morris was honored by a Veterans Organization in Chicago for his work on behalf of Illinois veterans.

Morris is running for the Republican nomination for the Eighth Congressional District seat currently held by Democrat Melissa Bean. He faces Ken Arnold from Gurnee and Steve Greenberg from Buffalo Grove in the February 5, 2008 primary election.

Morris received the “Citizen of the Year Award” from the McCarthy Group in a ceremony held at St. Cajetan’s Church in Chicago on Saturday January 5th. The Group cited Morris for “his service above and beyond” the call of duty to Illinois veterans. The event was witnessed by more than 2,000 people who filled the pews.

Presenting the award to Mr. Morris was Mr. Allen Lynch, Medal of Honored recipient from Viet Nam who also lives in the Gurnee, IL area.

In a speech responding the award, Kirk Morris asked everyone in attendance to demonstrate their dedication to country by doing, instead of talking. “It is one thing to talk about what needs to be done, but without anyone taking action, talk will not help anyone without action,” said Morris.

The McCarthy Group was founded by Colonel Joseph McCarthy, who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions at Iwo Jima. During World War II, McCarthy was a captain commanding a rifle company attached to the Second Battalion, 24th Marines, and led an assault team across exposed ground to wipe out positions holding up the advance of his company.

The same Marine Corps Unit is now a reserve unit headquartered in Chicago . The battalion has been activated for second tour in Iraq

Also receiving Honors Saturday, was Marine Sgt Brian Woznicki, who earned three Purple Hearts in his two deployments to Iraq . One such award was the result of injuries he sustained in Spring of 2004, the same place and time PFC Geoffrey Morris, son of Kirk Morris, was killed in Iraq.

Chicago Firemen also presented an Iron cross to Navy Chaplain 2nd Lt. John Conrae, who served with the Marines on two tours in Iraq and is headed back for another deployment by the end of January. The cross was cut from the iron beam from the former World Trade Center on September 12, 2001.

“This cross has a lot of emotion and meaning attached to it. I will carry this to the Battlefront far any all to see. What a wonderful symbol and memoriam for those that are taking the battle back to those that caused such great loss of life in NY on September 11th,” said Conrae.

The Chicago Police Drum and Bagpipe Corps added ceremonial and processional music to the event.

Link to photo’s of the event.

= = = = =
The caption to the photo is “Medal of Honor recipient Mr. Allen Lynch presenting Kirk Morris with the 1st ever citizen of the year award from Medal of Honor recipient Joseph McCarthy foundation.”