McHenry County Blog

Its leaders may be under indictment, but NASA Education is sponsoring a one-day Veterans Stand Down on October 2nd.

The press release follows:

Veteran’s Stand Down October 2, 2012

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 unemployed are the focus of the Fall Veterans’ Stand Down, which will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2 at NASA Education’s corporate office, located at 3305 South Illinois Route 31 in Crystal Lake, IL.

The past three Stand Downs were held at the Harvest Bible Chapel in Crystal Lake, however Harvest Bible Chapel elected to not host the Stand Down this time to help the veterans, although Mr. Blanchard did not speak with anyone from Harvest, so he can only assume that they did not get what they wanted out of the event.

He thought it was about helping the veterans. Hundreds have received help during each of the last three
Stand Down’s that were held at Harvest, as well as the other nine Stand Down’s that were hosted at Camp Algonquin. He concluded with “I can’t think of any Christian reason why anyone wouldn’t want to help our veterans”. So once again, we were forced to make one of two decisions; not have the event or find another location.

According to Mr. John Blanchard, owner and Executive Director of NASA Education, “Not doing the Stand Down will never be an option. We have had incredible, measurable and verifiable results which shouldn’t change because of the opinions, venue or economic climate. Our attendees deserve the best during the good times and bad times because they had no choice but to serve their God, Country and Commander in Chief, regardless where it may have led them and now they deserve our best.

If Harvest Bible Chapel, doesn’t want to help us assist those in need, then we lost Harvest Bible Chapel, but if I was behind enemy lines and had to fulfill a task, I’m still going to do it regardless of what the obstacles may be. So tasked with finding yet another location, it seems the only viable option and decision that wouldn’t interfere with our event is to host the event on our own home turf.

So once again we took an obstacle and have turned it into an opportunity to make everything better because the people that attend the stand down couldn’t have it any worse. If we can’t obligate a day or two, twice a year to pull even one attendee out of their homeless status, then we have no reason to wrap ourselves in the flag as public servants.”

Blanchard, continued by saying, “ Those challenged and charged in fulfilling veteran opportunities as veteran organizations, should do whatever it takes to fulfill their mission regardless of funding or personal opinion. I certainly hope to see all of the same service providers that have supported the veterans over the past 12 stand downs which we have hosted, because after all the stand down is about supporting and helping the veterans, not reflecting the current climate. Once again, I challenge everybody in the seven county area to turn out for these individuals no matter what their personal opinions or agendas may be, whether Federal, State, County or local affiliation.”

“We will have something for every veteran in need,” 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 assist over 300 veterans. “The community stands ready to help those who gave so much for all of us.” This is the 6th year and 13th Stand Down event sponsored by
NASA Education and even though we are able to assist our veterans, the numbers keep rising. With Iraq and Afghanistan coming to an end, there will be even more increasing numbers in the not to near future.

Known as one of the best Stand Downs in Illinois, attendees are treated with the utmost care and respect they deserve. “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 their 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 few remaining heroes of WWII. These are today’s MIA’s; Missing In America.” said Blanchard, the sponsor of the event. 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.“

“The veterans aren’t looking for charity, and the help we’re giving them should not be interpreted as charity. They want a job. A place to live. A means of paying their bills. The same things all of us want and need,” said Blanchard. “They deserve these things.”

Veterans will also receive a number of amenities at the Stand Down.

Transportation will be provided from the Pingree Train Station in Crystal Lake, to the Stand Down site. Please phone NASA Education at 866-338-4968 toll-free for moreinformation 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. Although pre-registration is closed an individual may come the day of the event.

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

A press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office:

OWNER AND FOUR EMPLOYEES OF CRYSTAL LAKE BUSINESSES CHARGED WITH DEFRAUDING UNITED STATES, U.S. MILITARY VETERANS, AND SERVICE DISABLED VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES

ROCKFORD — the owner of certain Crystal Lake, Ill. businesses, three of his current employees, and one former employee, were all indicted today by a federal grand jury in Rockford, Ill. The indictment charges the five defendants with defrauding the United States, U.S. military veterans, and certain other disadvantaged businesses known as Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses.

Defendant, John C. Blanchard, 51, of Crystal Lake, Ill., owns and operates several businesses referenced in today’s indictment, including

• National Association of Systems Administrators, Inc. (“NASA, Inc.”),
• National Association of Systems Administrators Corporation (“NASA Corp.”),
• NASA Education Corp. (“NASA Education”), and
• Liberating Solutions Corporation (“Liberating Solutions”).

NASA, Inc., and NASA Corp. provide computer system maintenance and support for small businesses and engage in some software design.

NASA Education and Liberating Solutions are companies that are purportedly designed to help homeless U.S. military veterans by providing them with work training, community reintegration, and other services. All of these businesses are located in Crystal Lake, Ill.

The remaining four defendants all worked for John Blanchard’s businesses.

• Joanne Blanchard, 49, of Crystal Lake, John Blanchard’s wife, managed the finances and payroll for her husband’s companies.
• James Blanchard, 55, of McHenry, Ill., John Blanchard’s brother, was a Project Manager for Liberating Solutions and managed security for his brother’s businesses.
• Eric R. Behler, 51, of Curlew, Washington, was a Contracting Officer for Liberating Solutions.
• Amy B. Johnson, 50, of Elkhart, Indiana, oversaw NASA Education.

The indictment alleges that the defendants fraudulently obtained federal contracts that were set-aside for Service Disable Veteran Owned Small Businesses. Federal law allows for certain contracts to be set-aside for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses.

To qualify as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, a company must be at least 51% owned by one or more service-disabled veterans, and the daily operations of the business must be managed by a service-disabled veteran.

According to the indictment, the defendants caused Liberating Solutions to bid for and win federal set-aside contracts by falsely representing that Liberating Solutions was a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business.

The indictment also charges that the defendants defrauded the U.S. military veterans who were enrolled in the NASA Education program by failing to pay them the wages they were entitled to under the Davis Bacon Act, the Service Contract Act, and Illinois law.

The Davis-Bacon Act requires that companies receiving federally funded contracts for work on federal buildings must pay their employees locally prevailing wages and fringe benefits for similar projects in the area. The Service Contract Act requires companies that are awarded federal contracts to provide certain services to the federal government must also pay their employees certain wage rates. Illinois law has similar requirements for contractors who are awarded contracts for state and local government projects.

According to the indictment, the defendants caused Liberating Solutions and NASA Education to win contracts with the federal government and local governments in Illinois by representing that their businesses would pay their employees the wage rates required under the Davis Bacon Act, the Service Contract Act, and Illinois law.

Then, the defendants required the U.S. military veterans who were enrolled in the NASA Education program to perform the physical labor required by these contracts.

Contrary to the representations on the contracts, the defendants did not pay the veterans the wage rates required by the Davis Bacon Act, the Service Contract Act, and Illinois law.

The indictment also charges the defendants with defrauding the United States in connection with the receipt of certain grant funds.

The U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) provides up to $10,000 in grant funds to organizations that sponsor “Stand Downs.”

Stand Downs are events which provide homeless veterans with information regarding training, employment opportunities, and social services.

The DOL requires organizations that receive these grants to provide the DOL with receipts and invoices for the costs incurred. The grant recipients are also required to return any funds not expended for the event.

According to the indictment, the defendants fraudulently caused NASA Education to keep excess grant funds it received for Stand Down events by submitting fraudulent invoices falsely claiming that Liberating Solutions had incurred certain expenses.

For example, some of these fraudulent invoices claimed that security for NASA Education’s Stand Down events had been provided by a company known as “Bull Dog Security,” when in fact security for those events had been provided by veterans who were not paid for their services.

The indictment returned today contains six counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, and ten counts of providing material false statements and documents in a matter within the jurisdiction of a federal agency. Each count of wire fraud and mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Each count of providing material false statements or documents carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison. All of the counts carry a maximum fine of $250,000, or an alternate fine totaling twice the loss or twice the gain derived from the offense, whichever is greater, and restitution. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.

The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment next Tuesday, August 28, 2012, at 11:00 a.m., at the federal courthouse in Rockford, Ill. The arraignments will be conducted by U.S. Magistrate Judge P. Michael Mahoney.

The indictment was announced today by Gary S. Shapiro, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, James Vanderberg, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Office of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, John W. Brooks, Special Agent in Charge of the Central Field Office of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, Armando Lopez, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General, and Jeffrey L. Arsenault, Special Agent in Charge of the Central Field Office of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott A. Verseman.

The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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You can read the indictment here.

NASA Education’s Spring Stand Down is coming up at Crystal Lake’s Harvest Bible Chapel and Country Inn and Suites.

The following email explains what is happening.

Here’s some information on our up and coming stand down. The pics are John Blanchard and crew unloading the 2 53’ semi’s of clothing and gear.

NASA Education is “gearing up” for its Homeless Veterans Spring Stand Down and Conference.

[NASA Education has] kicked off the two week preparation for the April 30-May 1 event at Harvest Bible Chapel and Country Inn and Suites in Crystal Lake, IL from 9:00-5:00 on Monday and 8:00-11:00 on Tuesday.

[Recently] we received over 60,000 pounds of gear and clothing for the event.

We are very pleased that we can still have the homeless veteran stand down even though the federal government has stopped funding them.

This up and coming event will mark our twelfth Stand Down and conference, we have been able to have the past 6 events without federal funding with the help of monetary donations, food, clothing and supplies from local community support and private donors.

Since we will be hosting nearly 500 at this event we are always looking for volunteers, assistance and participants, especially if you have not seen the event at our new location, Harvest Bible Chapel.

We are looking for individuals and companies to get on board with assisting some of the most deserving individuals that walk this planet. There are opportunities to volunteer, present in a workshop setting, as wells as display their offerings in the service providers showcase area.

We will be offering 15-30 minute presentation spots for service providers, so sign up early to solidify your spot. As potential employers, they will be able to meet with individuals that are seeking employment or as service providers; they will be able to let the attendees know what is available out there that they may be unaware existed. So whatever their participation, we would like individuals to consider coming out and becoming part of this beneficial and worthwhile event. It’s going to be amazing.

There is no cost to participate in this event, only their time.

How can you help?

The set up for the Spring Veterans’ Stand Down and Conference takes a lot of manpower prior to, during and after the event. We distribute clothing and gear that will help our homeless attendees make it through the elements of summer. Items such as coats, rain gear, waterproof shoes, socks under garments and clothing are a few of the items they will receive at the Conference. Toiletry items will be distributed, so that our attendees can take a warm shower during their stay.

We seek volunteers to assist in the loading, unloading, set-up, tear down, as well as during the 2 day event. Any amount of time individuals can provide is greatly appreciated. Our schedule still needs to be solidified as far as the weekend setup, but if they are willing to volunteer their time, then NASA Ed staff will get in touch with them with times and locations. During Monday and Tuesday we seek volunteers that will be available to help staff security, the registration area, parking lot, clothing distribution area, bingo callers, as well as runners that assist other volunteers and service provider’s needs.

We also seek volunteers to help provide baked goods, or other snack type items. The numbers of our overnight guests keep rising and they really enjoy having goodies to snack on in the evening. And of course if time is an issue, we will always welcome monetary donations to help defer some of the costs.

Volunteers make this event happen

Since our very first Stand Down in the fall of 2006, we’ve had very loyal and dedicated volunteers, some who have assisted in every stand down. We couldn’t do it without our loyal friends. This event is a huge undertaking and everyone who is willing to give their time, no matter whether its 5 minutes or 5 hours, is very much appreciated.

Thank you again for your continued support and dedication to such a great cause. If you know of any other individuals that may want to come out and give us a hand, please forward this information to them.

For more information please visit our website at www.nasaed.org or contact Amy Johnson at amy_johnson@nasaeduation.org or 815-455-5085.

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.

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.

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

35,000 pounds of clothing were distributed.

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

For the first time, there was snow. Melting.

Get off the path and mud was the result.

Naturally, I arrived about lunch time.

There was a big feed.

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.

“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.

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.”

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

I try to keep up with NASA Education’s Veterans Stand Downs at Camp Algonquin.

The next two-day event will be held Monday and Tuesday. Information about it is below the announcement.

NASA will sponsor the next Stand Down for Veterans on March 9 and 10, 2009 at YMCA Camp Algonquin, 1889 Cary Road, Algonquin, IL 60102.

This will be NASA Education’s sixth semiannual, two-day Stand Down. At the Spring 2008 event, 227 newly discharged, displaced, disabled, homeless, unemployed, elderly and other veterans in need received services.

We expect a record attendance at the next Stand Down! U.S Department of Labor’s, Patrick Winfrey, Illinois Representative Linda Chapa LaVia, and McHenry County board member Mary Donner were keynote speakers at the Spring Stand Down last year.

The Stand Down for Veterans is an ambitious undertaking that takes many hands to produce, but it’s a joyful one because the entire community pitches in to help our nation’s heroes.

Services to be provided to the veterans include meals and accommodations for the two-day event at beautiful YMCA Camp Algonquin.

Representatives will be on hand to assist with

• employment services,
• legal counseling,
• medical screenings and
• on-site registration for VA medical care,
• assistance in registering for VA benefits,
• DD214s and other programs,
• referrals for housing assistance and food vouchers,
• referrals for free dental and eye care.

There will be

• information and applications for housing/vocational rehabilitation programs,
• information about community substance abuse, mental health and other programs,
• free haircuts,
• therapeutic massage,
• a distribution of clothes, coats, new underwear, shoes and toiletry items,
• entertainment and more!

The Stand Down is partially funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)/Veterans’ Employment and Training Services (VETS) and the HelpAmerica Foundation.

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The top photo is of an outreach employee of 8th District Congresswoman Melissa Bean.

The bottom photo is of John Blanchard in a big room full of clothes for veterans.

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

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.

= = = = =

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

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.

= = = = =

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

As greed makes off with the Christian religion’s celebration of Jesus’ birth, this bumper sticker from the snowy Camp Algonquin Veterans’ Stand Down during the third week of March in 2007 might be of interest.