Evening honors all six branches with free health screenings, vital information, live music, and a complimentary meal
On Saturday evening, November 7th, Nazarene All Nations Church opened its Fellowship Hall and Unity Hall at 6510 S. Ashland Avenue for a Veterans Appreciation Dinner and Resource Fair. The event honored all six military branches: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force.
Resources for Body and Mind
The evening began with a resource session open to the public. Guests received light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments as they entered, then visited tables to gather information on available services. The Friedell Clinic checked glucose levels and blood pressure, while other vendors shared information on mental and physical well-being.
Participating organizations included the Tuskegee Airmen Chicago Chapter, SASI Home Care, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Dr. Sooniti J. Weems, Chicago Methodist Senior Services, and Friedell Clinic/Jackson Park Hospital.
Music, Dinner, and a Message
The second half of the program moved to Unity Hall, opening with a performance by saxophonist Salandra “Sal Sax” Butler, who wowed the audience. Veterans and guests then enjoyed a complimentary dinner and desserts while hearing from the evening’s guest speaker, Terry Prince of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA).
Prince reminded the room that appreciation can’t be limited to one day. “Veterans don’t need our appreciation one day a year,” he said. “They need it all 365 days every year.”
He shared the story of Brandon Jagers, an IDVA veteran service officer. While working at a vet center, Jagers met a World War II veteran who had never applied for disability benefits because, as Prince put it, nobody ever did. Jagers helped him file a claim, and the veteran was rated 100 percent disabled, receiving nearly $5,000 a month. He also needed nursing home care and now lives at the Chicago Veterans Home at no cost.
“That’s what a great service officer does,” Prince said. “Every veteran in this room has a story.” Vince Saunders of the Tuskegee Airmen Chicago Chapter also gave remarks.
Why It Matters
Bishop Sherman J. Butler Sr., executive director and senior pastor of Nazarene Church, said the church wanted to show veterans love and support.
“We love our veterans. I feel like a lot of times they are overlooked, especially after the service they gave to our country,” he said. “The veterans went to war fighting for our lives, allowing us to live as free people in the United States.” Photos of lost service members were displayed on the tables throughout the evening.
Program Director Latoya V. Collins said the goal is a lasting partnership. “It’s about setting up more of a lasting partnership, stronger connections with the people that matter and protect us,” she said. “This event was a huge success, and we look forward to doing this again.”
