Jack Schaus was honored recently by the Hinsdale Rotary Club for his role in initiating and developing the Burr Ridge Veterans Memorial and the village’s annual Armed Forces Day Celebration.
Q: What got you started working on behalf of veterans?
A: I started when I saw veterans’ rights was a frequent issue. I would go see guys in Hines Hospital (in Maywood). We would organize collections and deliver things to the veterans and their families. It’s important to share with the less fortunate.
Q: What was the best parts of the Veterans Memorial project?
A: Seeing it through from the start and overcoming all types of issues.
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Q: What was the worst part?
A: Sweating to get the money.
Q: How long have you lived in Burr Ridge?
A: Since 1968.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: On the South Side of Chicago. We moved to Arlington Heights when I was 8.
Q: Family?
A: Wife, Mary Ann; three children
Q: Who would play you in a movie about your life?
John Wayne. He was always a favorite of mine.
Q: What song do you always turn up?
A: “God Bless America.” I hear it and it brings tears to my eyes. We have a country that is so great.
Q: Favorite charity?
A: We do a lot with our church, St. John of the Cross.
Q: Thing on your bucket list?
A: Spend more time going places as a family
Q: Favorite local restaurants?
A: Cooper’s Hawk in Burr Ridge and Buck’s Pit Stop in Hodgkins
Q: Favorite store?
A: Menards. They’re helpful, friendly and always have what I am looking for.
Q: Words of wisdom?
A: Try to do good always. Think of other people; keep them first. Keep something in mind and commit to it.
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Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago. Check out more online at ChicagoTribune.com/ShoutOut.
Kevin Beese is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press