Since I am fairly new to the post, I feel it is important for my fellow VFW Post 5915 and Ladies Auxiliary members to know a little more about me. I am an Illinois native and served 8 years in the United State Navy, during the Beirut conflict as a fleet sailor; making me a second generation Navy veteran, as my father served in the Navy during WWII. I am the youngest of four siblings, 2 sisters and 1 brother and am currently married to Joanne (Post 5915 ladies auxiliary) and share 3 sons.

In 1994 I left IBM to form the National Association of Systems Administrators, Inc. (NASA, Inc), which provides data center, computer, and peripheral maintenance, nationwide and telephone/logistic support to IBM Corporation in 5 countries. I added my next company, NASA Corporation in 1998; a software development company that custom programs case management and veteran tracking software for VAC offices, and other types of tracking software. Using the profits from these two companies, encouraged me in 1998, to create NASA Education Corporation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, whose original focus was to provide scholarships to less fortunate individuals who were pursuing careers in the information technology field. In 2005, the focus changed to a program that gives hope and promise to our military veterans. NASA Education's primary program, Project Fresh Start, focuses on veterans who are recently returned, homeless, displaced, disabled or are otherwise in transition to reintegrate them into the community and workforce with permanent housing and competitive wage jobs. I produce a show on Comcast, called Muster America that deals in veteran issues, concerns and topics. Recently I was named the McHenry County's special recognition business champion and just a few weeks later I was presented the 2008 Congressional Medal of Distinction, in Washington D.C. This distinguished award was founded by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942.

As busy as I am, I am fortunate enough to be able to make the time to support and continue moving our post forward as your commander, just as the many past commanders have done. Carpentersville Post 5915 again has dedicated officers, members, committeemen and a devoted ladies auxiliary and committed leader, Jennifer Fluck.

I grew up in Arlington Hts., IL and graduated from Sacred Heart of Mary High School (now St. Viators). I earned a Degree in Business Management, while undertaking a 16 yr career in the Air Freight Industry. Eight of those years were spent working with several Air Freight Forwarders processing Export Documentation. I moved to Minnesota, where I began working for Continental Airlines as the Cargo Sales Manager. After receiving a promotion I moved back to Chicago as Continentals International Cargo Sales Manager. Then was sought after to open the Chicago office for Challenge Air Cargo Airlines as Regional Manager covering Sales & Operations for the Midwest region. Through this career, I had many opportunites to travel to many states and countries, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

With the birth of my only child, Stefanie, who tugged at my heartstrings to be a stay at home mom, started a new and exciting chapter, which enabled me to be home to enjoy the many stages of her childhood. This time in my life gave me the opportunity to participate as both a Brownie & Girl Scout Leader, 4-H leader, Assistant Spirit Squad and Volleyball Coach. During Stefanie's early years, I became a single parent and chose not to go back to the Airfreight Industry that I loved, because of travel & distance requirements. This led me to a variety of employment opportunites such as being a Real Estate Agent, Credit Manager, Customer Service Rep. and finally landing in my current role as a Business Analyst/User Acceptance Tester Process Lead at a Leading Financial Institution.

For the last few years I have directed my volunteer efforts towards the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW. My father's service in the Army during the Korean War Conflict, made me eliglible to join. My mother Ann Leahy and my daughter Stefanie are also members of the Ladies Auxiliary.

As your current President, I wish to have your full support of our organizations mission for this year. My goal is to have as many of our members as possible who wish to participate and to bring their ideas forward, "This is YOUR organization". I would like us to reach out to as many people as possible in the community and spread the word about this wonderful organization and ask them to join & support us. Our Department President's special project is Honor Flight, sending as many of our World War II Veterans to Washington D.C. as possible to visit the World War II memorial. I believe in this cause as well, and would like to give and receive as much support as possible. What better way to honor our Veterans than by memorializing them while they are still with us.

VFW Post 5915 has recently started a Men's Auxiliary division. Our goal is to support the Post in any way possible. I have been elected to the postion of President of the Men's Auxiliary.

My grandfather Lawrence Beringer was a decorated soldier that served in the Army during World War II. I am proud to honor his memory through my work with the VFW.

We've got some great things planned for the Men's Auxiliary including a weekly Friday night event at the Post, and several other events. Keep your eye out for the monthly newsletter for more details.

I am proud to serve as the Men's Auxiliary President. Together with the Post and the Ladies Auxiliary we will accomplish many great things. Hang on! It's gonna be a wild ride!