The next meeting of the 8th Infantry Illinois National Guard Association is Sunday 7 June 2009 at 2:00 PM at the General Richard L. Jones Armory 5200 South Cottage Grove Avenue.

Date	Time	Event
Sunday 10 May 2009	-	Mother's Day
Monday 25 May 2009	-	Memorial Day
Sunday 07 June 2009	14:00 ( 2:00 pm )	8th Infantry Association Meeting
Sunday 14 June 2009	-	Flag Day
Sunday 21 June 2009	-	Father's Day
Saturday 4 July 2009	-	Independence Day
Sunday 12 July 2009	14:00 ( 2:00 pm )	8th Infantry Association Meeting
Sunday 2 August 2009	14:00 ( 2:00 pm )	8th Infantry Association Meeting
Monday 7 September 2009	-	Labor Day

The 8th Infantry Illinois National Guard Association held its annual African American History Month Open House 8 February 2009 at 2:00 PM at the General Richard L. Jones Armory 5200 South Cottage Grove Avenue.

Pictured is Robyn Grange, whose husband Captain Leslie Grange is deployed in Afghanistan. The Family Readiness Group is selling ribbon magnets, as seen in the photo. Members of the 8th Infantry Illinois National Guard Association purchased several. Robyn will be assisting with the Family Readiness Group’s planning of the Welcome Home Ceremony for the 1-178th.


Pictured are some of the members and friends of the association who attended the open house.


Our Guest Speaker was Command Sergeant Major Alan J. Kirkpatrick. Kirkpatrick was born in Chicago, Illinois on 14 May 1937. He enlisted on 5 May 1955 and completed Basic and Advance Individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. During his 42 years of military service, he has served in a variety of Senior Noncommissioned Officer positions culminating in his assignment as the State Command Sergeant Major, Illinois Army National Guard. He retired on 31 May 1997. Other assignments held were Commandant, Illinois Noncommissioned Officer Military Academy, Command Sergeant Major 33rd Infantry Brigade, Command Sergeant Major 1st Battalion 178th Infantry, Operation Sergeant, Intelligence Sergeant and Infantry First Sergeant. He is a graduate of the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Course, S-2 Combat Operations Course and the Battle Skills Course. His awards and decorations are numerous, which include the Expert Infantryman Badge, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Service Medal and the Medal of Merit. He is married to the former Deloris Smith of Chicago, Illinois. They have four grown children: Karen, Allen Jr., Raynard and Darlene.

Our 8th Infantry Illinois National Guard Association honored veterans by participating in the parade along Martin Luther King Boulevard. Some of our members rode in the parade in Chevrolet Corvettes.

The parade originated at 43rd street and ended at the Doughboy Monument at 35th street. The monument was constructed to honor members of the 8th Infantry who served in World War I.

The parade also included members of high school ROTC classes who arranged in formation around the monument for a brief ceremony that included speeches and comments by local elected officials, clergy and members of veteran’s organizations.

Members in attendance from our association included Thomas Mallett, Larry Preston, Leonard McKinnon, Charles Patton, James Shotwell and Robert Honesty.

Representatives from White Castle, led by District Supervisor John Littig, served free coffee, hot chocolate and pastries at tables setup across from the monument.

Above photo is John Littig (center), White Castle System Inc District Supervisor with two members of the 8th Association.

Click here for photos of Veterans Day 2008 & Bronzeville tour.

The annual Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic was held on 9 August 2008. The 8th Infantry Association again participated in the Parade and had its own Picnic. Our own 1st Battalion 178th Infantry Regiment again provided the Association with military vehicles for our members to ride in the parade. For more pictures of past parades and picnics , please click here.

Some of the association members at the 2008 Parade and Picnic

Click here for pictures of association members bowling.

In the winners circle at Maywood Park Racetrack.

The 8th Infantry Illinois National Guard Association presented a fund raiser wine tasting at 1776 Restaurant in Crystal Lake.

Terry Andresky (l) Owner of 1776 Restaurant with Robert Honesty President 8th Infantry Association

DONATION PRESENTATION - Robert Honesty (right), president of the 8th Infantry Illinois National Guard Association received a donation check from Terry Pirro of Pirro's Restaurante in Woodstock, during the Jazz on the Square jazz jams on Thursday nights. A portion of the tips go to a charity each month.

Click here for more fundraising pictures and information.