Before 2019, Vernon Mitchell did not know a thing about Chicago Soldiers or its annual golf outing to help wounded veterans. But that year, Mitchell, a Glenwood resident who served with the U.S. Marines during Desert Storm and then the Army for Operation Iraqi Freedom, was named the organization’s honoree.
“It means everything,” Mitchell said. “It shows me the support the community gives us veterans. It means a lot. I call them my heroes, to tell you the truth.”
Mitchell has vowed to come back whenever he can to support the other recipients of an annual tradition, which for 11 years has offered monetary help to wounded veterans and their families. He was out again Saturday at The Meadows Golf Club in Blue Island for the latest golf outing, which raised $37,000 for Tim Driscoll, a 2007 Sandburg graduate who was injured by an improvised explosive device while serving as a U.S. Army specialist from 2010-2011 in Afghanistan.
“This is absolutely incredible,” Driscoll, 32, said while waiting for a tee shot alongside his wife, family and friends. “I don’t really have words for the amount of people who are out and supporting this. It’s incredible. For Dan to take time out of his life to do this stuff is amazing.”
Orland Park’s Dan Drew started Chicago Soldiers 11 years ago after hearing the story of Oak Lawn’s Yuriy Zmysly, a retired U.S. Marine corporal left with a brain injury following an emergency surgery on base. Drew’s outing raised $8,000 in the first year but has only grown since. In addition to a big check for each year’s honoree, Drew regularly gives $1,000 to past recipients who attend. The outings end with a Patriot Party to celebrate any veterans in attendance.
“It’s unbelievable, just the smiles on everybody’s faces and how generous everybody is,” Drew said. “You’re just happy life is still like this and there’s great people. People just want to say thank you.”
Among those attending Saturday was Bob Jilek, of Evergreen Park. He played golf with veterans Mitchell, Scott Niemoth and Bernie Donahue, an Evergreen Park veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Jilek does not have a service history but said he wanted to support those who do.
“I’m thankful for all these guys,” he said.
Niemoth, a Crestwood resident who served with the 3rd Battalion of the 5th Marines, said he is appreciative of the work Drew has done. He and his foursome flew a variety of flags from their golf carts showing their patriotism and support of the troops.
“This is a great event,” Niemoth said. “We’ve been coming since it began. What this organization has done for the wounded vets is unbelievable.”
Michael Scanlan, of Chicago, said a morning of golf and monetary donations are the least civilians like himself can do for those who have served. He was happy to take part in the outing.
More Top Picks Best Night Lights For Kids
“There isn’t a more noble profession,” Scanlan said. “They put their lives on the line to keep us safe, keep us free. Anything we can do for them, that’s what we want to do. I wish we could do more.”
For more information about Chicago Soldiers or to donate, visit chicagosoldiers.com.
Bill Jones is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.