Tonight, more than 150,000* Veterans will sleep on the streets of America - despite the fact that we are a country that prides itself on honoring and caring for its Veterans.

In 2009, The Honorable L. Tammy Duckworth spoke to the Rotary Club of Lisle and informed us of the difficult challenges facing our troops, not only while deployed, but upon their return from active duty. Stating that 23% of all homeless in the U.S. are Veterans, she challenged us to help assist programs aimed at eliminating such disturbing statistics.

Memorial Day is a day honoring Veterans who gave their lives in service to our country. How do we reconcile our professed dedication to our Veterans knowing the reality that tens of thousands of them will be sleeping on the streets tonight? If you could wave a magic wand to assist our brave women and men in need, wouldn't you?

There is no such thing as a magic wand. However, on a local level, with stars in our eyes, members of the Rotary Club of Lisle are accepting Secretary Duckworth's challenge by hosting its third annual

Red, White and Blue Ball
Friday, November 4, 2011
6:30 to 11:30 p.m.
Open Bar, Military Tribute, Dinner, Silent Auction

All net proceeds from this event will benefit:

• Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, Wheaton
  Providing shelter, food, counseling and job placement to area Veterans.
• Operation Support Our Troops America
  Providing basic items not available to deployed troops and funding of Fisher House, housing for families of wounded soldiers at Hines VA Hospital.

Please consider helping the Rotary Club of Lisle recognize and contribute to these two outstanding organizations.
 
 
*Source: National Coalition for Homeless Veterans