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Commander's Homecoming

Come join Commander Latham in celebrating her homecoming. Homecoming Flyer

August Post Notification Mailings 

The August 2026 post notifications went out electronically.  Go to the newsletter and mailings page to read.

Current Events Calendar

Follow this link to the current Department of Illinois calendar  EVENTS 

July Sweepstakes

Here is a link to the July Sweepstakes winners. WINNERS

Scholarship Winners

This years scholarship winners were announced and can be viewed HERE.

Not too early to think of National Convention

Plans are made for a big Illinois Party at the Nations Convention  See Flyer

2025 Fall Committee Meetings Schedule 2026 will post as they meet this fall.

Most of the committees in September and early October.  Consolidated Committee Reports.  Link is updated as committee chairs submit their report to Department Adjutant.

Link to a consolidated committee report. Fall Reports 2025  Fall Reports 2024

 

Department Newsletter

The current and past newsletters are on the website.  The newsletter keeps you up to date on meeting dates, activities, and events around the state.  You may go direct under the tab News & Events or follow the link. Department Newsletter

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The American Legion Department of Illinois

2 days ago

The American Legion Department of Illinois
RIP Past Detachment Commander Kevin O’ConnellKevin J. O’ConnellMarch 15, 1953 – September 5, 2026Kevin passed away overnight at home. He was comfortable and where he wanted to be. For over a year, he battled cancer. Kevin was a Paid-Up-For-Life and thirteen-year member of Des Plaines Squadron 36. Kevin was a Past Squadron, 9th District, and 1st Division Commander of each. He served as Detachment Commander in the year 2022-2023. Currently, Kevin was our National Executive Committeeman (NEC) and was recently re-appointed to the National organization’s Emergency Preparedness Ad-hoc committee, which all the members are either former or current first responders. Kevin’s eligibility, his WHY, came from his father, John O’Connell, a WWII Veteran who served in the Army Air Corp’s 7th Air Force Pacific theatre from 1942 – 1946. John was a life member at Joseph M. Sesterhemm Post 166 in Glenview, Illinois. Kevin was a career law enforcement officer of 39 years reaching the rank of Chief. He then transitioned to the private sector, being Director of Security for a large corporation, before finally retiring. He is a proud father of Melissa, Meghan, and Maggie. And an even prouder grandfather of Marty, Tegan, Tinsley, and Taylor. Kevin’s significant other is Tammy Girten, whom they spent years enjoying each other’s company. To say Kevin was well-liked by many is truly an understatement. He honored the Four Pillars and did all he could to bring awareness to each. Over ten years ago, Kevin started placing flags at the headstones of Veterans at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, Illinois on the Saturday before Memorial Day. It has grown tremendously over the years and over 5,000 flags are placed that Saturday morning with over 200 volunteers each year. Arrangements are currently being made. We will share that information once released, along with his obituary. Rest in Peace, Kevin. The weather will always be good for you now. ... See MoreSee Less

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