Eight veterans receive state 'Honor 200' recognition

State Sen. Paul Schimpf of Waterloo, the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, and the Illinois Bicentennial Office announced eight Southern Illinois residents have been named recipients of Bicentennial Honor 200.

The event honors the work of 200 veterans who continue to make extraordinary contributions to the people of Illinois.

Southern Illinois area recipients include Charles "Red" Becker of Evansville, Ethan Blumhorst of Carbondale, David M. Helfrich of Freeburg, Gary Charles Henning of Freeburg, Eugene L. Hollaway of Chester, John C. Preston of Red Bud, Dustin Row of Columbia, and Oscar Harrison Sanders, Jr. of Anna.

"These veterans' service didn't stop when they retired from their military service," said Sen. Schimpf. "They continue to be heroes in action - going beyond the call of duty to help people in their communities. These 200 Illinois veterans truly make us proud."

The recipients represent more than 50 counties across the state of Illinois. Nominees were evaluated based on their achievements and on the extent to which their contributions have aided, benefited and provided inspiration to their community at large.

In addition, nominees must have received an honorable discharge from the U.S. military and reside in Illinois.

All the Honor 200 recipients have been invited to attend the state's official 200th birthday celebration at the United Center in Chicago on Dec. 3.</group><group id="C3E82D12-C450-43F