LOMBARD, IL (04/01/2013)(readMedia)-- Twenty-one Soldiers were awarded Saint Orders, six Soldiers and two civilians were awarded individual awards and one Soldier was promoted during the 108th Sustainment Brigade's All Saints Recognition Ceremony and Ball at the Westin Lombard in Lombard March 23.

"The All Saints Ball recognizes the hard work and dedication of outstanding Soldiers and families of the 108th," said Col. Drew Dukett of Roodhouse, the Commander of the 108th. "This event brings us to together to honor those who make the 108th Sustainment Brigade so successful."

Within the military there are individual awards for personal achievements, for units there are campaign awards and finally there are professional awards known as regimental awards.

"The United States Army created regiment (awards) to build esprit de corps, maintain customs and traditions and increase combat effectiveness," said Lt. Col. Tracy Collins of Naperville, the deputy commanding officer for the 108th Sust. Bde. "These awards show the significant contribution the Soldiers have done for the specific regiment or association."

The Signal Corps Regimental Association established the Bronze Order of Mercury for individuals who stand above their peers in their contributions to the Signal Corps and the Signal Corps Regimental Association.

Inducted into the Bronze Order of Mercury were:

• 1st Sgt. Alberto Colon of Mundelein with the 433rd Signal Company in Crestwood

• Sgt. 1st Class Kyara Cowan of Calumet Park with the 433rd Signal Company in Crestwood

The Distinguished Order of St. Martin was awarded for significant contribution to the Quartermaster Corps and those who have embodied the spirit, dignity and sense of sacrifice and commitment emphasized by St. Martin.

Inducted into the Distinguished Order of St. Martin were:

• Lt. Col. Matthew Voyles of Woodstock with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Sgt. Maj. Steven Pearson of Chicago with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

The Honorable Order of St. Martin is awarded to those who demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and moral character and having displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence while serving in the Quartermaster Corps.

Inducted into the Honorable Order of St. Martin was:

• Capt. Edgardo Prats-Reyes of Chicago with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Retired Chief Warrant Officer 2 Angela Lantau of Quincy last assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Staff Sgt. Pedro Feliciano-Nieves of Montgomery with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Spc. Hector Loporte of Chicago with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

The Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe is awarded to those individuals who have served the United States Army Ordnance Corps, demonstrating integrity, moral character and professional competence over a sustained period. Those selfless contributions to the corps stand out in the eyes of their seniors, peers and subordinates.

• Maj. Richard Munyer of Springfield with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion in Springfield

• Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jeffery Garrett of Rochester with the 3637th Maintenance Company in Springfield

• Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Thompson of Okawville with the 1344th Transportation Company in East St. Louis

• Sgt. 1st Class Sebastian Gawron of Addison with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Capt. Bernadette Bland of Farmington with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

Following her induction Bland was promoted to the rank of major.

The Ancient Order of St. Christopher was awarded to those with a career that embodied outstanding achievements and accomplishments in the spirit, dignity and sense of sacrifice and commitment epitomized by St. Christopher the patron saint of the Transportation Corps Regiment.

Inducted into the Ancient Order of St. Christopher were:

• Lt. Col. Tracy Collins of Naperville with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Master Sgt. Michael Gersh of Johnsburg with the 1644th Transportation Company in Rock Falls

The Honorable Order of St. Christopher was awarded for demonstrating the highest standards of integrity and moral character and having displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence while serving in the Transportation Corps.

Inducted into the Honorable Order of St. Christopher were:

• Capt. Elaine Nussbaum of Bloomington with the Bilateral Embedded Staff Team A12 in Springfield

• Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Hacker of Rock Falls with the 1644th Transportation Company in Rock Falls

• Sgt. 1st Class Tyler Heleine of Charleston with the 1544th Transportation Company in Paris

• Sgt. 1st Class Jose Sanchez of Romeoville with the 1244th Transportation Company in North Riverside

• Staff Sgt. Donald Wort of Marseilles with the 1744th Transportation Company in Crestwood

• Staff Sgt. Shelly Johns of Chicago with the 1244th Transportation Company in North Riverside

Awarded the Army Commendation Medal for their service and achievements in the 108th Sustainment Brigade and the Illinois National Guard were:

• Lt. Col. Stephen Cooper of Rockford, acting state command chaplain with Joint Forces Headquarters in Springfield

• Maj. James Dodd of Chicago with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Capt. Michael Raschen of Edwardsville with 1844th Transportation Company in Quincy

• Spc. Andrew Adkins of Chicago Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal were:

• Retired Chief Warrant Officer 2 Angela Lantau of Quincy last assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Master Sgt. Raymond Butler of Waverly with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion in Springfield

Carol May was inducted into the Honorable Order of Elizabeth Armstrong, for Dedicated Support to the Illinois National Guard Family Program. She was selected by a committee of her peers to join the Sisterhood based on her diligent efforts to improve the quality of life for Guardsmen and their Families.

Shannon Dunn received The Military Medal of Merit for Exceptionally meritorious service as a family Readiness support assistant.

For additional information and photos of the Soldiers and civilians honored please contact the Illinois National Guard Office at 217-761-3569 or email ng.il.ilarng.list.staff-pao@mail.mil

Volunteers are the backbone of the American Red Cross. The sufficiency of the Red Cross blood supply is in the hands of healthy blood donors who give generously for patients in need. With National Volunteer Week approaching, the Red Cross reminds eligible individuals to become regular blood donors.

In the hour it takes to give blood, donors can help save the lives of up to three patients. Make a difference; be a Red Cross blood donor and join a family of volunteers across the country in a lifesaving cause. To make an
appointment or for more information, visit redcrossblood.org.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Carroll County
April 26 from 1-6 p.m. at Carroll County Farm Bureau, 811 S. Clay St. in Mount Carroll, Ill.

Clinton County
April 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lyondell Chemical Co., 3400 Anamosa Road in Clinton, Iowa
April 30 from 12-6 p.m. at Northeast High School, 3690 Highway 136 in Goose Lake, Iowa

Henry County
April 24 from 1:15-5:15 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St. in Kewanee, Ill.
April 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Kewanee Hospital, 1051 W. South St. in Kewanee, Ill.

Mercer County
April 16 from 12-6 p.m. at VFW Hall, 106 SW Third Ave. in Aledo, Ill.
April 22 from 2-6 p.m. at Alexis Community Center, 204 W. Palmer Ave. in Alexis, Ill.

Whiteside County
April 16 from 1-5:15 p.m. at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.
April 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Morrison Institute of Technology, 701 Portland in Morrison, Ill.
April 17 from 2-6 p.m. at Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
April 23 from 1-5:15 p.m. at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.
April 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
April 25 from 4-7 p.m. at Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
April 27 from 6:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CGH Medical Center, 100 E. LeFevre Road in Sterling, Ill.

The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™

How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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THE National Bank presents the meal that serves the community

BETTENDORF, IA - As it prepares to host the Seventh Annual "Lobsterfest" presented by THE National Bank, the Bettendorf Rotary Club looks toward another successful year of serving the meal that provides service to the Quad City Area community (www.bettendorfrotary.com/lobsterfest).

The New England-style lobster boil is set for Saturday, June 8^th - 5:30 to 10 PM - at Rivermont Collegiate, 1821 Sunset Drive in Bettendorf. Tickets are priced at $75.00 each or a table of eight for $520.00 (a savings of $10 per ticket). They can be purchased by calling (563) 445-4264 or visiting

www.bettendorfrotary.com/tickets. The event is open to the general public.

THE National Bank (www.thenb.com) is in its second consecutive year as presenting sponsor and is pleased to add to its service to the community with this event. The club also values its involvement with Scott Community College's Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management programs (http://www.eicc.edu/adultlearning/programs/career/culinary/culinary.html). These members help prepare the meal and, with a newly expanded relationship with Bettendorf Rotary, will result in further scholarship opportunities for SCC students.

In addition, "Lobsterfest" involves several groups such as the Culinary Kids of Family Resources, Inc. and Boy Scout Troop 24 that assist other volunteers in delivering the fresh meal of Maine lobsters.

Thanks to funds raised at last year's event, the Bettendorf Rotary Club's Charitable Giving Board awarded direct grants to area charities totaling $20,000. The club also awarded $6,000 in scholarships to students pursuing higher education.

Bettendorf Rotary Club (www.bettendorfrotary.com), chartered on May 22, 1957, has more than 100 members fulfilling the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self" in a variety of local, regional and national community volunteer projects. The club meets each Wednesday at Noon at Fortune Garden Restaurant, 2211 Kimberly Road, Bettendorf. The club also has a page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/bettendorfrotary).

All clubs are part of Rotary International (www.rotary.org), founded in 1905 by Paul Harris, a Chicago businessman and University of Iowa alumnus. The international organization, now based in Evanston, IL, has more than one million members participating with 32,000 clubs located in more than 200 countries.

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