Putting "Supporting our troops into action"

 

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Gary Sinise talks about supporting the troops

 

MEET

LT. KENNETH SWANSON

Lt. Kenneth Swanson who was missing in action since Feb. 10, 1945. Kenneth, a member of the Army Air Force during WWII was on a mission over the Nakajima Aircraft factory at Ota, Japan. Immediately after bombs dropped his plane rose up and collided with another plane on the mission. No parachutes were seen by other members of the B-29 formation. Parts of each aircraft were seen to break away as it descended in a spin. After the war it was learned that the crew of the aircraft were cremated by the Japanese. The ashes were brought back to the United States and they were buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Lt. Swanson was born in Batavia Nov. 25, 1920. He graduated from Batavia High School before entering the army. He was a bombardier on a B-29. He was the son of Edward Swanson of Batavia and brother to Arthur Swanson, future Mayor of Batavia.

This pictures was courtese of Dick Miller of Batavia. Dick to Kenneth parents to Arlington for the burial.

Also on that same mission was 2nd Lt Everett Stenman of Batavia. He was a crew member aboard a B-29 Superfortress with departed the base on Tinian Island, Marianas on Feb 10, 1945. While returning to its base, his aircraft was last contacted by radio while it was about 20 minutes from base, at which time they reported that it was O.K. When the bomber failed to return an extensive air search was instigated and failed to uncover any trace of the aircraft. Everett was the son of Mr. and Mrs. August Stenman of Batavia.

Tribute to Batavia's Fallen

What the Marines have to say!

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MEET CHAPLAIN BOB GUY

Chaplain Bob Guy is currently serving in the Middle East with the Illinois National Guard 33rd Brigade. He is currently overseeing eight chaplains and ten chaplain assistants who are serving troops throughout the Middle East. Bob joined the Illinois National Guard in 1982 while he was completing his H. Div degree at Lincoln Christian Seminary in Lincoln, Illinois. His military training over the past 26 years has taken him to England, Italy, Germany, and Iceland. Bob has been deployed state side in the aftermath of tornados, floods, and hurricanes. This is Bob’s first deployment overseas. In his civilian life, Bob is the Senior Pastor at New Horizon Christian Church in Heyworth, Illinois where he has served since 1994. Bob is the Senior Pastor at the New Horizon Christian Church. Chaplain Guy is the Chief Chaplain of the 33 BCT of the Illinois National Guard Currently in Afghanistan. Any wish to send items for Chaplain Guy to distribute to the soldiers should contact support@Bataviacares.org.

 

 

  

True Heroes

This page is dedicated to all the true heroes of the world, regardless of their race, whom most we never see a face
Ready to go at a moments notice, never hesitant of the job at hand and well trained at what they do
Unselfish acts of kindness shown to their fellow man not considering how the outcome could unfold
Exemplified in their profession, skills honed with perfection they carry this out without much praise

Heroes come in different forms, from all walks of life, twenty-four seven, three sixty five
Everyone will need this brave soul one day; many have witnessed their hero already at some point in their life
Rescuers of the day and night, never in their eyes will you see the fright that they may feel down deep inside
One who puts their very own life at risk without ever stopping to think of the harm that could succumb them
Endless hours of grueling missions, with the enemy close at hand, in conditions unimaginable to us back at home
Sacrifices have no boundaries when performed by the true heroes of the world of which this is you

Submitted by and used with permission of the author,
© Jayna Kay DeSett Hart, May 9, 2005

 


GOD BLESS THE BOYS

God bless the boys
from Illinois
And every mother's son

Who gave their life
protecting the right
of all the wrongs been done

If they knew or even thought
their dreams could be bought
Would they want to come home

America don't you care
I have waited so long
I am so alone

I am writing and hanging one
to a dream I once had
That your did care and I will come Home

Written from the heart by David Wilkerson

 

Check Out the Stories

Click on the topic

 

The Seabees Deliver Packages From Home

The Latest News from Afghanistan

The Last Full Measure of Devotion

Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin

 

 

Boy Scouts of Troop 21

Identify Veterans Graves

 

 

SUICIDE PREVENTION

DIAL THIS NUMBER FOR HELP

The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has founded a national suicide prevention hotline to ensure veterans in emotional crisis have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. To operate the Veterans Hotline, the VA partnered with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Veterans can call the Lifeline number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and press "1" to be routed to the Veterans Hotline.

 
Batavia Cares, 324 Church St., Batavia, IL 60510 630-687-1943