The City of Aurora’s Veterans Advisory Council (AVAC) is hosting the first ever Vets Week in Illinois.
By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Email Jennifer Rice at: jen@foxvalley
labornews.com
AURORA — The City of Lights will show its patriotic spirit and true colors when it brings Vets Week to Aurora, starting off on Armed Forces Day May 21, and ending Memorial Day, May 30.
“This event is right where it should be — in Aurora,” said Aurora Veterans Advisory Council (AVAC) Chairman Joe Toma.
The goal of the committee was to make events attractive to everybody. So — there’s a movie, a barbecue dinner, 5K run, classic car show and a parade. The car show runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 21 in downtown Aurora.
Sunday, May 29, everyone can participate in the 5K Run, Walk, Woof & Roll run, which starts at 7:30 a.m. Toma describes it as a race for everyone. “You can run it, walk it, bring your pooch, or baby stroller.
Runners can sign-up on-line at eventbrite.com by searching 5K Run, Walk, Woof & Roll.
Last week, AVAC mailed out sponsorship opportunities to hundreds of local businesses. A major focus of Vets Week is getting people out, talking and camaraderie, but another large focus is fundraising.
AVAC’s fundraising efforts serves local veterans in need, AVAC’s scholarship fund and local veteran housing.
Labor organizations like IBEW Local 461 and Pipefitters Local 597 Training Center are helping out, but AVAC member and Local 597 Business Representative Scott Roscoe said more help is appreciated. “We’re hoping the labor community embraces and supports our efforts,” Roscoe added.
Members of the Aurora Veterans Advisory Council gear up for Aurora’s Vets Week, running May 21 through May 30. Events include a classic car show, 5K run, barbecue dinner and parade. Photo courtesy of the Aurora Veterans Advisory Council
Interested unions can contact Roscoe at 331- 302-5002.
The committee is working on finalizing the details of Vets Week, which includes the viewing of Aurora’s Walter Truemper’s Medal of Honor, an Air Force officer killed in WWII.
Toma stressed the need for volunteers throughout the week and especially for the 5K run. Interested persons can contact Toma via 630-899-9021 or email or email the Aurora’s Veterans Advisory Council at: auroraveteransadvisorycouncil@gmail.com