McHenry County Blog

Veterans have lunch at Camp Algonquin. Organizer John Blanchard can be seen top right next to Amy Johnson, who is in charge of the details.

NASA Education’s John Blanchard told me that about 325 Veterans came to Camp Algonquin for the Stand Down that his organization has been putting on twice a year for a couple of years.

Here are the staffers for Congressman Don Manzullo and Congresswoman Melissa Bean.

The only “celebrity” was 8th Congressional District U.S. Representative Melissa Bean this year. She didn’t speak, rather walked around and talked to the Veterans.

Main men snaked through the service provider room waiting for lunch.

So, the two-day event was about service more than publicity.

While mainly men were standing in the room next door, these Veterans were chowing down.

35,000 pounds of clothing were distributed.

Undoubtedly, the TV room was packed last night with 166 staying at Camp Algonquin.

166 stayed overnight at the McHenry County Conservation District-owned, but YMCA-operated campground.

The road down to the lower building, where clothes were distributed.

For the first time, there was snow. Melting.

One could still see it had been a snowy winter.

Get off the path and mud was the result.

Naturally, I arrived about lunch time.

There was a big feed.

Volunteers staffed the food line.

Some of the volunteers I recognized from before.

Blanchard told me some had been volunteering since the first Stand Down.

He also told me that seven of the Veterans would be staying in Crystal Lake to enter his group’s training program.

“This is our outreach,” he said.

“Where are you going to put those pictures,” one Veteran asked as I was leaving.

Stand Down Vets posing before the main building at Camp Algonquin.

“On McHenry County Blog,” I told them as they posed for this photo.  “And, it will show the snow.”

The following press release has been received from NASA Education. It gives details of the Stand Down on Marcy 8th and 9th.

NASA Education Corporation Semi-Annual Stand Down for Veterans to take place March 8-9, 2010

CRYSTAL LAKE – Calling all veterans this event is for you. There is no cost to attend this function. Veterans who are newly discharged, displaced, disabled or homeless and are otherwise in transition are the focus of the Stand Down for Veterans, which will take place beginning at 8:00 a.m. on March 8th through 3:00 p.m., March 9th at YMCA Camp Algonquin, 1889 Cary Road, Algonquin.

“The individuals attending our stand down, coming for assistance are truly heroes. Each and every one of us owes them our gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy, worldwide.“The reasons that they have reached the point in need of assistance, varies as widely as your own individuality.

“The people coming to the stand down for assistance are not only recent veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, but are also veterans that reach as far back as the Vietnam War, the Korean War and the code talkers of WWII,”

said John Blanchard, executive director of National Association of Systems Administrators Education Corporation (NASA Education), the sponsor of the event.

Last fall's Stand Down saw men walking up the hill from the clothes room with full duffel bags.

He added that the organization is expecting to provide services to over 300 veterans. Due to a new feature added to our website that allows attendees to pre-register for the event, we are able to plan more efficiently; so with almost 289 pre-registered, we anticipate that number to increase over the two days with individuals who will walk in that day. As NASA Education motto states, “Through ‘help and healing and delivering on their hope,’ these individuals want to rejoin the mainstream of our productive society. They were once the most loyal, dedicated, responsible and professional employees that the federal government has ever had and they need to get that back.”

Luncheon is served.

Services will include medical screenings and information about other VA services by North Chicago VA Medical Center, employment services by Veterans Employment Training Service (VETS)/Department of Labor through the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), referrals for housing assistance and other services by the McHenry County Veterans Assistance Commission., legal counseling by Attorney Jeffrey Antonelli. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will verify military status and eligibility for services as well as claims processing; this office can and will make things happen.

Attorney Jeff Antonelli is one of the people who volunteer at the Stand Down.

Senior Services and representatives from the Social Security Administration will also be on hand to assist with any questions and applications for SSDI. The American Red Cross will be on hand to provide assistance. McHenry County College will be sending a representative to answer any questions regarding registering for classes, etc. Other services providers will be the VET Center and PAXEM, Inc. Harper College Dental Clinic will be providing cancer screenings on Tuesday only.

Veterans will be able to register for medical care at North Chicago VA Medical Center at the Stand Down. Information about community services for homeless and low-income individuals will be provided by Susan Giannone, the constituent services advocate from Congresswoman Melissa Bean’s Office, and Pam Sexton, the constituent services advocate from Congressman Donald Manzullo’s Office.

NASA Education will accept applications for participation in Project Fresh Start, its comprehensive workforce and community reintegration program for U.S. veterans who are displaced, disabled, homeless or otherwise in transition. NASA Education will also accept applications for its 32-bed transitional housing facility for homeless veterans.

Headliner for last fall's Stand Down Veterans Affairs Director Dan Grant.

“The individuals that come to the Stand Down are in need of a safe place to be, workforce and community reintegration training and an opportunity to be back on track where they should be, and that’s exactly what we provide through our main program Project Fresh Start. Employers that wish to have dedicated, English speaking trainees that will show up to work and have a burning desire for a new career should strongly consider Project Fresh Start participants,” said Blanchard.

John Blanchard talked with folks in the service providers' room at Camp Algonquin.

“I strongly encourage the service providers attending the stand down to fulfill their obligations to the veteran community by doing what they’re charged do.”

Veterans will also receive a number of amenities at the Stand Down, including free haircuts by SportClips of McHenry, Hair Cuttery out of Woodstock and Crystal Lakes very own Slims Barbershop.

Haircuts were provided by Cortney Thurman and Melissa Adam at the fall Stand Down.

Clothing, military gear, meals and the use of shower facilities will be provided on both days, and overnight shelter will be provided on Monday, March 8th. Individuals and organizations from the community have donated new and gently used clothing and shoes, new underwear and socks, and toiletries.

We are very grateful to local businesses and organizations that have stepped up and made donations to assist with the Stand Down. Those organizations are Kyoto’s, Pontarelli’s, Great American Bagel and Rosati’s of McHenry. The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Carpentersville Post 5915 will be strongly involved through volunteers and donations.

Volunteering last fall were Helen Jost, Richard Quick and Elaine Slack.

How can you help?

Donations are needed in the form of cash, new and gently used clothes for men and women, baked goods or other desserts, toiletries, fast food gift certificates in small denominations and gift cards from supermarkets.

Transportation will be provided to the Stand Down for the veterans from various pick-up points throughout the community. Please phone NASA Education at 866-338-4968 tollfree for more information about the Stand Down, pick-up points, volunteering and making donations. Or you may send an email to Amy Johnson at Amy_Johnson@nasaeducation.org or please visit our website at www.nasaed.org.

NASA Education is a Crystal Lake-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive vocational rehabilitation and community reintegration services for U.S. veterans who are displaced, disabled, homeless or otherwise in transition.

Chagrin Falls, Ohio, World War II veteran Charles McHenry came all the way to Crystal Lake for a Library of Congress Veteran History Project interview.

John Blanchard, Executive Director of Crystal Lake-based NASA Education, flew his private plane to pick McHenry and his son Charles, Jr., on Thursday.

The reason for the trip was to document Mr. McHenry’s account of his service during WWII.

The Veteran History Project collects first-person accounts of military service in WWI, WWII, the wars in Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf, and the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Veteran History Project honors American war veterans and civilian workers who supported them by preserving stories of their service to our country.

In October, 2000, the U.S. Congress unanimously voted to create program, which will be housed at the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress in Washington.

The contents of the archives and its collections are made available to researchers and the public.

In additional to compiling a unique archive for scholars, the Veterans History Project hopes to inspire future generations with these stories of service to our country.

Mr. McHenry served in the United State Navy during WWII on the USS Finback SS230 as a submariner, with his main specialty as an electrician.

He served from June, 1943 – December, 1945 and then was called back to duty and served during the Korea conflict between September, 1950 and March 1951.

“His stories were amazing and so clearly stated,” Blanchard explained.

During his visit to Crystal Lake, McHenry attended Carpentersville VFW Post 5915’s community night, appearing with Jim Shea. Shea and Mr. McHenry’s son Charles, Jr. have been boyhood buddies since the 4th grade and that is how Mr. Blanchard learned of him.

“It was a fun filled trip,” Blanchard explained, “one he said he would remember for the rest of his life. They headed back to Cleveland early this afternoon.

“Everyone at NASA Education was left with heartfelt memories of our blessed WWII Navy veteran named Charles,” Blanchard said.

This is the 11th recording that NASA Education has done for the Veteran History Project.

“We are seeking individuals that have either served or know of someone that may be interested in sharing their stories of the past,” Blanchard explained. “Please contact Amy Johnson, Program Director at 800-724-9692 for additional information or to schedule an interview.”

Today was the first day of NASA Education’s Veteran’s Stand Down in Camp Algonquin, located on the Algonquin-Cary Blacktop.  The second day is tomorrow.

First veterans register at the building on top of the hill.  Then they wait around for a ride down the hill.

There are two types of rides.  A golf cart, which was delightful in the 80 degree weather.

Or, one could get a ride in the patriotically draped van paid for by a grant from the Illinois Veterans’ Lottery and awarded by the Illinois Veterans Affairs Department while Tammy Duckworth was director.

In the half of the building seen above were tables for those providing veterans with services.  When I walked in, NASA Education’s John Blanchard, a man with a passion for helping veterans whose white shirt you see in the foreground, was talking to Governor Pat Quinn’s Director of Veterans Affairs, Dan Grant, and others.

Lots of people wanted to talk to Blanchard.  This time I got a side view.  You can see the tables of Congresswoman Melissa Bean and Congressman Don Manzullo in the back corner of the room.

I asked where the trims were being offered this year and was directed back up the hill. So back up the hill I climbed.

There I found Cortney Thurman and Melissa Adam giving haircuts to two vets.  They both work at Sport Clips in McHenry and were volunteering the services.

The dining room was still full.

The pumpkin pie was pretty well gone, but there was still plenty of cake.

Among those offering advice was attorney Jeff Antonelli. Note his yellow legal pad has no pages left. He had been tearing off pages on which he wrote his phone number, but so many people asked for it that he started tearing pieces from the pages and handing them out.

Ray Infante represented the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

In a downtime, McHenry County College employee Helen Jost of Lake in the Hills was caught talking to Elaine Slack, a volunteer from the Carpentersville VFW Post 15915.  The man leaning over from the Hospice of Northeastern Illinois is Richard Quick.  I didn’t see a table from Elgin Community College, the college that serves Algonquin and the rest of District 300.

The weather was so much better than when the Veterans Stand Down was held later in the fall.  Not too mention drier.

Another NASA Education-sponsored Veterans Stand Down is just around the corner–next week, in fact. The following press release follows:

NASA Education Corporation Semi-Annual Stand Down for Veterans to take place September 14 and 15, 2009

CRYSTAL LAKE – Calling all veterans.  This event is for you.

There is no cost to attend this function.

Veterans who are newly discharged, displaced, disabled, homeless or are otherwise in transition are the focus of the Stand Down for Veterans, which will take place beginning at 8:00 a.m. on September 14th through 3:00 p.m., September 15th at YMCA Camp Algonquin, 1889 Cary Road, Algonquin.

This year we are excited to welcome Dan Grant, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs as our guest speaker for the opening ceremonies. Director Grant will be in attendance at the Stand Down on Monday, September 14th.

Don’t know what a Veterans Stand Down is?

McHenry County Blog has written stories about each of them:

10-4-6 Veterans Stand Down Attracts 26 Homeless Veterans

3-7-7 Veterans’ Stand Down Notes

10-7-7 Camp Algonquin Stand Down for Veterans to take place October 8 and 9

10-13-7 Manzullo at Camp Algonquin Stand Down

I have photos of the spring one also, but they are in my new HP computer, which crashed. We are awaiting a new motherboard from Hewlett Packard.

NASA Education Corporation has let us know that it is cosponsoring the Carpentersville Musical Festival ‘09 this weekend.

It will be held in Carpenter Park.

The other co-sponsor is Sargon Productions.

As you can see it is a family-friendly affair, but there are attractions other than food, drink and games for the kids.

If you have a love for music then Carpenter Park in Carpentersville is the place to be this weekend.

Sargon Productions and NASA Education Corporation will be sponsoring the Carpentersville Musical Festival ’09 on Saturday, August 29th and Sunday, August 30th.

The following press release explains the details:

CRYSTAL LAKE – Veterans who are newly discharged, displaced, disabled, homeless or are otherwise in transition are the focus of the Stand Down for Veterans, which will take place beginning at 9:00 a.m. on March 9 through 3:00 p,m., March 10th at YMCA Camp Algonquin, 1889 Cary Road, Algonquin.

This year we are excited to welcome our old friends, U.S Department of Labor’s Patrick Winfrey and McHenry County board member, from District 3, Mary Donner.

We are pleased to announce and delighted to extend our warmest welcome to the new Director of The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Dan Grant. Director Grant will be in attendance at the Stand Down on Monday, March 9th.

“The individuals attending our stand down, coming for assistance are truly heroes. Each and every one of us owes them our gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy, worldwide.

“The reasons that they have reached the point in need of assistance, varies as widely as your own individuality. The people coming to the stand down for assistance are not only recent veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, but are also veterans that reach as far back as the Vietnam War, the Korean War and the code talkers of WWII,” said John Blanchard, executive director of National Association of Systems Administrators Education Corporation (NASA Education), the sponsor of the event.

He added that the organization is expecting to provide services to at least 200 veterans. As NASA Education motto states, “Through ‘help and healing and delivering on their hope’, these individuals want to rejoin the mainstream of our productive society. They were once the most loyal, dedicated, responsible and professional employees that the federal government has ever had and they need to get that back.“

Services will include

• medical screenings and information about other VA services by North Chicago VA Medical Center,
• employment services by Reynaldo Infante of Veterans Employment Training Service (VETS)/ Department of Labor through the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES),
• referrals for housing assistance and other services by Mike Iwanicki and Cheryl Kirsch of the McHenry County Veterans Assistance Commission and John Carr of the Kane County Veterans Assistance Commission,
• legal counseling by Attorney Jeffrey Antonelli.
• Phyllis Taylor Smith of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will verify military status and eligibility for services as well as claims processing; this office can and will make things happen.
• Sheryl White from Sr. Services,
• Siobhan White from Hospice of NE IL and
• representatives from the Social Security will also be on hand to assist with any questions and applications for SSDI.
• The American Red Cross will also be on hand to provide assistance.
• Veterans will be able to register for medical care at North Chicago VA Medical Center and Hines VA Medical Center at the Stand Down.



• Veteran service officers from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) will assist veterans in applying for VA disability claims and other VA benefits, state health insurance, and DD214s.
• Information about community services for homeless and low-income individuals will be provided by

Susan Giannone, the constituent services advocate from Congresswoman Melissa Bean’s Office, and

Pam Sexton, the constituent services advocate from Congressman Donald Manzullo’s Office.

NASA Education will accept applications for participation in Project Fresh Start, its comprehensive workforce and community reintegration program for U.S. veterans who are displaced, disabled, homeless or otherwise in transition. NASA Education will also accept applications for its 32-bed transitional housing facility for homeless veterans.

Local employers Vets Total Car Care,

• Liberating Solutions and
• Vet-Teks

will be on-site to offer employment opportunities.

NASA Education’s very own Veteran Service Officer, Eric Behler will also be on site to assist veterans in applying for VA disability claims and other VA benefits and DD214s.

“The individuals that come to the Stand Down are in need of a safe place to be, workforce and community reintegration training and an opportunity to be back on track where they should be, and that’s exactly what we provide through our main program Project Fresh Start. Employers that wish to have dedicated, English speaking trainees that will show up to work and have a burning desire for a new career should strongly consider Project Fresh Start participants,” said Blanchard.

“I strongly encourage the service providers attending the stand down to fulfill their obligations to the veteran community by doing what they’re charged do.”

Veterans will also receive a number of amenities at the Stand Down, including free haircuts by SportClips and Slims Barbershop.

Clothing, military gear, meals and the use of shower facilities will be provided on both days, and overnight shelter will be provided on Monday, March 9th.

Individuals and organizations from the community have donated new and gently used clothing and shoes, new underwear and socks, and toiletries.

Partial funding over the past 3 years, for the Stand Down has been provided through grants from the Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS)/U.S. Department of Labor.

Donations are still needed in the form of cash, new and gently used clothes for men and women, baked goods or other desserts, toiletries, fast food gift certificates in small denominations and gift cards from supermarkets.

Transportation will be provided to the Stand Down for the veterans from various pick-up points throughout the community.

Please phone NASA Education at 866-338-4968 toll-free for more information about the Stand Down, pick-up points, volunteering and making donations. Or you may send an email to Amy Johnson at Amy_Johnson@nasaeducation.org. The NASA Education website is www.nasaeducation.org.

NASA Education is a Crystal Lake-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive vocational rehabilitation and community reintegration services for U.S. veterans who are displaced, disabled, homeless or otherwise in transition.

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Photos are all from past Stand Downs. On top you see McHenry County Board member Mary Donner with NASA Education’s John Blanchard.

McHenry County Blog coverage of previous Stand Downs can be found below:

McHenry County Blog has written stories about each of them:

10-4-6 Veterans Stand Down Attracts 26 Homeless Veterans

3-7-7 Veterans’ Stand Down Notes

10-7-7 Camp Algonquin Stand Down for Veterans to take place October 8 and 9

10-13-7 Manzullo at Camp Algonquin Stand Down

4-1-8 Veterans Stand Down Fills Camp Algonquin

NASA Education has been a topic of a number of articles on McHenry County Blog. Started by John Blanchard, the organization’s goal is get veterans in need back on their feet and into the mainstream of American life.

Twice a year the organization sponsors a Veterans Stand Down at Camp Algonquin. There’s one coming up March 9th and 10th at the YMCA facility. Details are here, including contact information for those wishing to volunteer.

Below is a press release about a new aspect of the program, Fresh Start participants’ volunteering to pay the local community back to show their appreciation.

Successful Local Non-Profit Company NASA Education Project Fresh Start Participants Gives Back To The Community

CRYSTAL LAKE – John Blanchard, executive director of NASA Education Corporation a 501(c)(3) nonprofit company, along with senior participants of it’s main program, Project Fresh Start attended the Crystal Lake City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 17th and presented the City of Crystal Lake’s Police Department and the Fire Department’s EMS division with monetary donations raised by the group as part of their pay-it-forward initiative.

Last Tuesday night’s City of Crystal Lake council meeting was the first of many presentations planned for the participants of Project Fresh Start. Mr. Blanchard presented Fire Chief James Moore, with a check to go towards their EMS division and participant Roger Burns presented Chief Dave Linder with a check.

In addition to their pay-it-forward initiative, each of the participants volunteer 10 hours a month at local shelters, organizations and other locations out in the private sector. Realizing where they have come from to their new found successes, they know first hand there are those individuals that haven’t been given the same opportunities and truly wanted to show their appreciation.

During their weekly group meetings, Mr. Blanchard, along with the participants discussed what they could do within the community to show their appreciation and willingness to give back; in recognition of NASA Education for its program and beliefs instilled by Mr. Blanchard for offering them a new lease on life and a fresh start.

A group decision was made that through their work assignments of yard work, snow shoveling, home maintenance and repair; a portion of the money received for those tasks be saved and donated throughout the community.

The unanimous decision started the pay-it-forward initiative. The participants are individuals who only months, weeks or in some cases days ago, didn’t know where to turn to for assistance and truly have so little of their own, still want to do something to show their appreciation and to also give them a purpose and something strive for.

NASA Education is a Crystal Lake-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization who’s main program, Project Fresh Start, offers a community and workforce reintegration program that includes free housing, transportation, and training for U.S. veterans who are newly returned, displaced, disabled, homeless or otherwise in transition.
For more information about NASA Education, please contact Amy Johnson at 866-338-4968 (866-EDU-4YOU) or

amy_johnson@nasaeducation.org or visit our website at www.nasaeducation.org.

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In the photo John Blanchard is talking to two of the volunteers at one of Camp Algonquin’s Stand Downs.

NASA Education has been a topic of a number of articles on McHenry County Blog. Started by John Blanchard, the organization’s goal is get veterans in need back on their feet and into the mainstream of American life.

Twice a year the organization sponsors a Veterans Stand Down at Camp Algonquin. There’s one coming up March 9th and 10th at the YMCA facility. Details are here, including contact information for those wishing to volunteer.

Below is a press release about a new aspect of the program, Fresh Start participants’ volunteering to pay the local community back to show their appreciation.

Successful Local Non-Profit Company NASA Education Project Fresh Start Participants Gives Back To The Community

CRYSTAL LAKE – John Blanchard, executive director of NASA Education Corporation a 501(c)(3) nonprofit company, along with senior participants of it’s main program, Project Fresh Start attended the Crystal Lake City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 17th and presented the City of Crystal Lake’s Police Department and the Fire Department’s EMS division with monetary donations raised by the group as part of their pay-it-forward initiative.

Last Tuesday night’s City of Crystal Lake council meeting was the first of many presentations planned for the participants of Project Fresh Start. Mr. Blanchard presented Fire Chief James Moore, with a check to go towards their EMS division and participant Roger Burns presented Chief Dave Linder with a check.

In addition to their pay-it-forward initiative, each of the participants volunteer 10 hours a month at local shelters, organizations and other locations out in the private sector. Realizing where they have come from to their new found successes, they know first hand there are those individuals that haven’t been given the same opportunities and truly wanted to show their appreciation.

During their weekly group meetings, Mr. Blanchard, along with the participants discussed what they could do within the community to show their appreciation and willingness to give back; in recognition of NASA Education for its program and beliefs instilled by Mr. Blanchard for offering them a new lease on life and a fresh start.

A group decision was made that through their work assignments of yard work, snow shoveling, home maintenance and repair; a portion of the money received for those tasks be saved and donated throughout the community.

The unanimous decision started the pay-it-forward initiative. The participants are individuals who only months, weeks or in some cases days ago, didn’t know where to turn to for assistance and truly have so little of their own, still want to do something to show their appreciation and to also give them a purpose and something strive for.

NASA Education is a Crystal Lake-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization who’s main program, Project Fresh Start, offers a community and workforce reintegration program that includes free housing, transportation, and training for U.S. veterans who are newly returned, displaced, disabled, homeless or otherwise in transition.
For more information about NASA Education, please contact Amy Johnson at 866-338-4968 (866-EDU-4YOU) or

amy_johnson@nasaeducation.org or visit our website at www.nasaeducation.org.

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In the photo John Blanchard is talking to two of the volunteers at one of Camp Algonquin’s Stand Downs.

The following press release has been received from NASA Education. It tells how you could help veterans in need by eating out in McHenry Saturday.

NASA Education sponsors the Veterans Stand Downs at Camp Algonquin each spring and fall.

The organization also runs two Crystal Lake apartment buildings for homeless veterans.

In addition, it has a bus purchased by the Illinois Veterans Affairs Department that take veterans to medical appointments.

“Local Non-Profit Company to Host its Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser to help Veterans who are In Transition”

CRYSTAL LAKE – Veterans who are newly discharged, displaced, disabled, homeless or otherwise in transition will benefit form NASA Education’s Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser which will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on January 31, 2009 at the VFW Post 4600, locatd at 3002 W. Rt 120 in McHenry.

The admission is $20 per person, ½ price for children 5-10, and free for children under the age of 5. The admission cost includes all you can eat and is also an entry ticket for one of our door prizes. This year some of the choices are listed below, with more coming in every day.

• Keyless Entry Remote Car Starter – valued at $250, compliments of Vets Total Car Care
• $100 Gift Certificate to Kyoto’s Japanese Steak and Sushi Bar in Crystal Lake; complements of Mr. and Mrs. Kim
• A one nights stay and complimentary continental breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express in Algonquin – est. valued $150.00.
• 2 – Yard, Spring Clean-Up Services – 2 men, 4 hours, valued at $250 each – compliments of Liberating Solutions

NASA Education has a new contributor this year – Paul G. Yanzel of Big Sky Tickets. Paul has graciously donated concert tickets for

• Montley Crue, Row G, and
• Nickleback, Row H – both main floor seating.

All net proceeds of Paul’s business ventures are going towards his dream of starting a company that helps and assists handicap children, as well as disabled veterans. Keep checking his website for additional information www.bigskytickets.com. In addition to concert tickets, he also called upon his friends at Woodstock Harley-Davidson, who has kindly supplied silent auction donations.

Also as a part your evening entertainment we will be having 50/50 raffles and multiple silent auction opportunities, so bring the family for an evening of entertainment, fun and enjoyment.

This year’s entertainment will be provided by the incredible Dave Byron. Those that attended the last Spaghetti Supper can attest that a good time was had by all and his performance was amazing. Dave Byron has been playing guitar and performing for over 30 years, with performances throughout the United States, Europe and Belgium. His blazing speed and pleasing tones captivates audiences of all ages. He has mastered the styles of Jazz, Rock, Metal, Classical, Blues, New Age, Celtic, Spanish & Flamenco. Please visit his website at www.myspace.com/davebyronmusic.

NASA Education Corporation is beginning its new year with a huge start.

We are happy to report that just since the last Stand Down in November, we have all but a couple of our beds occupied and have also been able to provide housing for 3 families, as participants of Project Fresh Start.

The executive director, John Blanchard’s creativity has developed into another successful initiative called Vets Total Car Care – they are located at 8304 Pingree Rd in Lake in the Hills.

As a spin off of Project Fresh Start, we are able to offer those participants who would like to pursue a career in auto mechanics an opportunity to train with an experienced mechanic and gain experience in automotive repair. The lead mechanic oversees all of the tasks performed by the participants and when they are ready, we work with the participant in helping them obtain a job. Vets Total Car Care is able to provide all of the general automotive care, such as brakes, oil changes, new tires, exhaust system maintenance and replacement, as well as, installation of stereos, keyless entry, remote starters and has also partnered with National Interlock Service to install the Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) as required by the new laws passed regarding DUI first convictions.

Please visit our continuously growing website at www.vetstotalcarcare.org or call 847-458-4664 for available services. Vets Total Car Care is donating two oil changes and a brake replacement as their contribution to the event.

John has recruited his brother, James, once again to make his incredibly delicious spaghetti.

Then the best part – dessert. We are honored to be serving those delectable pineapple upside down cakes, which have appeared at our Stand Downs over the past couple of years and who now have an owner – the hard labors of Debra Robey and daughter, Danielle Welcher. The recipe is carried down from Debra’s recently departed husband, who also was a veteran and one of our military heroes of the past and so with his cakes, his memory will live on for years to come.

Please tell family and friends and come join us on Saturday night, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and let’s kick off another year in a big way for NASA Education programs for veterans.

National Association of Systems Administrators Education Corporation (NASA Education), a 501(c)(3), non-profit, company was founded in 1999 by John Blanchard. NASA Ed is located in Crystal Lake, McHenry County, gives hope and promise to our military veterans. NASA Education’s primary program, Project Fresh Start, focuses on veterans who are homeless, displaced, disabled or are otherwise in transition to reintegrate them into the workforce with competitive wage jobs. An increase in skill level and income will result in greater self-determination, higher self-esteem and a healthier lifestyle.

Along with reintegration into the workforce, we focus heavily on residential stability so that the veterans can finally get off of the streets and achieve stable, affordable housing.

NASA Education is privately funded and welcomes any monetary contribution or participation in our fundraising events. Please visit our website, www.nasaed.org, for additional ways someone may be of assistance.

Please contact Amy Johnson, at 815-455-5190 or via e-mail

Amy_Johnson@NASAEducation.org for further information or to order tickets in advance. Thank you and I hope to see you all there.

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I can vouch for the pineapple upside down cake. It is delicious–just like my mother used to make.