Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Honors Seneca Army Veteran Russell C. Tendall as April 2010 "Veteran of the Month"

SENECA - The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) today named Seneca native and U.S. Army Veteran Russell C. Tendall as the April 2010 Veteran of the Month for his unwavering service to veterans statewide, and for outstanding service to his local community.

The "Veteran of the Month" award is a distinction that is given monthly to military Veterans who give back to their community and continue to serve other Veterans.  IDVA Director Dan Grant presented Tendall with the prestigious award this morning during a ceremony at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 300 E. Union St., Seneca.

"Russell Tendall's service to his fellow veterans in the American Legion and to other citizens in Seneca is an outstanding example for us all. We are pleased to honor him as Veteran of the Month," said IDVA Director Dan Grant.

Tendall served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946 and was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal. After military service he returned to Seneca, where he has been a member of American Legion Kasal Post 457 for 64 years. He has held the positions of commander, financial officer and Adjutant numerous times at the Post since the 1950s.

Tendall, a DuPont retired purchasing and account supervisor, also helped design the Seneca Veterans Memorial Wall. Among other numerous local honors, he was named "Seneca's Outstanding Citizen" by the Illinois River Area Chamber of Commerce in 2001.

Tendall, who also celebrated his 85th birthday during the ceremony, said he was humbled by the award.

"It is an honor and a privilege to serve my community here in Seneca, and to serve my fellow veterans statewide through the American Legion," Tendall said. "I sincerely appreciate it."

The "Veteran of the Month" award highlights the work of community activists who are also military Veterans. Each month the Department recognizes a different person or group that contributes to the betterment of communities across the state of Illinois. To nominate a "Veteran of the Month," please visit IDVA's website at veterans.illinois.gov to obtain a list of guidelines and a nomination form.