Dave Brown, a World War II Navy veteran, was back on the water Friday, wind blowing through his hair and a sun-drenched smile on his face.
Brown, who recalled riding out a typhoon for three days aboard a Navy destroyer in the Atlantic, found the going much more pleasant this time, as he and other residents of the Capt. James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center enjoyed a day on the Chain O’ Lakes courtesy of the Fox Lake American Legion Post, the Fox Waterway Agency and other volunteers.
“My God this is a big lake,” Brown said as he sat in a Waterway Agency debris-clearing boat, large enough to accommodate wheelchairs, with a group enjoying a sightseeing tour of Nippersink Lake. “I love this.”
Brown and more than 60 other Lovell Center residents and program participants were brought from the facility in North Chicago to the Fox Lake American Legion Post Friday as part of an annual tradition dating back more than 20 years.
The weather was picture-perfect as the guests enjoyed boat rides, fishing, games and an extravagant lunch, featuring grilled goods and pork tenderloin cooked by the Legion Auxiliary.
“We love it. It’s our most important event of the year,” said Ken Welninski, sergeant-at-arms for the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 703.
The entire American Legion Post in Fox hosts the event, with significant help from the Fox Waterway Agency, but the Sons of the American Legion have taken point on the effort for the past five years.
“They get to go fishing, boating, play bag toss and have lunch,” Welninski said. “They get out of the hospital for a day.”
“I think the most important part is giving vets a chance to get out and enjoy the fresh air, go for a boat ride, have burgers brats and hot dogs,” Sons of the American Legion Commander Jeff Haddick said. “We’re thrilled to do something special for them.”
While some veterans preferred to sit on the shore and fish in the sun or shade, others went out fishing on private boats brought out by volunteers and took tours on the Waterway Agency boats.
Brown, who served on the USS John W. Weeks in World War II, said Friday was the third time he has made it out for the event, and that he appreciates it every time.
“I just love it, and the people are the greatest,” he said. “I lived in Chicago and never got up north much.”
Just minutes after Brown said he hoped to see a great blue heron, a large one flew majestically overhead in front of the boat, granting his wish.
Joe Keller, executive director of the Fox Lake Waterway Agency, said the debris-clearing boats provided the perfect platform to get the vets out on the Chain, and the agency is proud to play a role in the event.
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“Giving veterans an opportunity to tour the lake system is a great honor,” Keller said.
“I think it’s a big morale-booster for our vets, especially the ones who can’t get out a lot,” said American Legion Post Commander Bob Gabriel. “It lets them know they are not forgotten.”
Amy Lefstad, a therapeutic specialist at the Lovell Center, said there is no question the event is a highlight and good for the veterans.
“You can see the enjoyment in their faces,” she said. “We do it for their quality of life. It makes their day much brighter.”
Kerry Morris, a Navy veteran who helped provide naval support for the invasion of Grenada and served on active duty from 1982 to 1985, is not a full-time resident of Lovell, but is participating in a program affiliated with the center.
He said the day off was a nice break, even if the fish weren’t biting.
“It’s great to get out, get some fresh air and just relax for a bit,” he said as his bobber floated in the water several feet away. “I haven’t caught anything, but it’s not over yet.”
The sponsors usually hold the event twice each summer, once in June and once in August.