Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs honors Elgin man as ‘Veteran of the Month' for August

CHICAGO –The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) has honored Arthur “Doc” Sheehan, a resident of Elgin and US Air Force veteran, as its August 2012 “Veteran of the Month.”

Sheehan was honored during a ceremony Thursday morning at The Watch City VFW Post 1307 in Elgin, Ill. The Illinois Veteran of the Month award is a distinction bestowed upon military veterans who continue to serve their communities after leaving the military.

“Doc Sheehan has made it his life mission to serve and heal, in uniform and out,” said IDVA Director Erica Borggren. “His unselfish attitude and tireless devotion to veterans of all ages epitomize the outstanding qualities that the Veteran of the Month award was designed to recognize.”

Sheehan served on active duty in Vietnam as a construction equipment operator and was cross-trained to work with the medical squadron from 1968 to 1972. After receiving an honorable discharge, Sheehan joined the USAF Reserves in 1973 and served as a C-130 air crew member with the Air Medical Evacuation Squadron until 1975.

Sheehan’s achievements include:

• For his military service, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Good Conduct Medal; and Air Crew Member Wings.

• On the home front, Sheehan worked as an ambulance attendant for Superior Ambulance; taught CPR as an adjunct faculty member at River Grove’s Triton College; was a physician’s assistant for an orthopaedic surgeon; and worked in various capacities for United Parcel Service Metro Chicago District, including serving in the company’s medical and safety departments and as an account executive with UPS’s business development team where he managed 70 business accounts.

• In the veteran community at VFW Post 1307, Sheehan:

Currently serves as a 3-term Post Commander (2009-2012); was All American Commander (2011-2012); All State Commander (2009-2010); Post Quartermaster (4 terms); Post Chaplain (2 years); Newsletter Editor (2010); National Aide-de-Camp (2 years); and, National Deputy Chief of Staff (1 year).

Directed construction of an addition to Post 1307; oversaw the fundraising and construction of a home addition for a disabled veteran; coordinated a home rehab for a wounded soldier who was a victim of the Fort Hood shootings; served as a member of the local Honor Guard at many funerals and events for veterans; provided direct help to veterans in need; managed dozens of fundraisers for veterans and other charitable causes; and was nominated for Elgin Image Award (2009).

• At Glendale Heights VFW Post 2377, Sheehan:

Served as Post Commander (1989-1990) where he organized an annual Christmas party that raised tens of thousands of dollars for disabled children; and, represented the VFW and UPS for the 1991 Chicago Welcome Home Desert Storm Parade.