Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs honors Wheaton resident as its ‘Veteran of the Month'

CHICAGO –The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) this Thursday (September  29th) will honor Ken McNatt, a Wheaton resident and U.S. Naval Reserves veteran, as its September 2011 “Veteran of the Month” during a ceremony at the Milton Township offices in Wheaton, Ill.

“Ken McNatt served his country with honor during World War II, and he continues to serve his community as a leader in city and township government,” said IDVA Director Erica Borggren. “His tireless dedication has made a tremendous impact in his DuPage County community.”

The Illinois Veteran of the Month award is a distinction bestowed upon military veterans who give back to their communities. McNatt, 90, who served from 1942-1945 in the Pacific Theater, is being honored for his tireless commitment to various government entities in Chicago’s far western suburbs.

McNatt remains active by serving as:

• Trustee for the Warrenville Fire Protection District during the past 36 years
• Trustee in Milton Township for 16 years
• Founding chairperson of the Milton Township Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) Council for more than 13 years. The group helps meet the needs of senior citizens by reducing crime and abuse, and by enhancing safety through communication and education. In 2009, Wheaton honored McNatt with its Senior Good Citizen Award.
• Precinct Committeeman for the last 12 years
• An active member of Warrenville VFW Post 8081 and has recounted his World War II experiences at the local historical museum.

After the war, Navy Lt. McNatt was awarded the following medals: Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medals (6), Navy Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific Campaign (3), and World War II Victory.

The “Veteran of the Month” award highlights the work of community organizers 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.