Name: Paul Chen

Paul Chen was nominated and elected Veteran of the Month for the State of Illinois in June 2009.

Paul proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1974-1977. Paul has continued to serve his country and veterans in several ways through volunteerism. Paul is currently a member of the Tom E. Hartung American Legion Post 1977 in New Lenox. Paul is a member of the Posts Color Guard, and a member of the Executive Committee.

Paul is a structural ironworker. When Paul was working at Chicago O’Hare Airport, he would see military personnel coming home or being deployed on a regular basis. He would make a point to meet them, thank them and shake their hands. Paul also handed out phone cards to these men and women so that they can keep in contact with family and friends.

In October of 2001, Paul and his wife Kim started the We Care Program along with several other Post members. They would contact the families of the military personnel, get their addresses and send them care packages. This program was funded by Post 1977.

Paul has personally delivered countless Blue Star banners and Blue Star pins, and unfortunately some Gold Star Banners.

On Saturday March 28 Paul and Kim were driving when they heard of the funeral service for Sgt. Christopher Abeyta who was killed when a bomb exploded near his vehicle while serving in Afghanistan. Paul and Kim were on their way to the American Legion for a fundraiser. Without saying a word Paul took a flag and said he would be back shortly. The following day phone calls from friends were coming in informing Paul that he was in the Chicago Tribune and SouthtownStar. There was Paul saluting and holding the flag. The caption read as follows a man salutes with a flag from an overpass on Interstate 80 near New Lenox as the funeral procession heads to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Well that man is Paul Chen.

Every year Paul travels to Springfield IL to guard the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, and continues to volunteer and donate his time to veterans. While at the Bass Pro Store in Springfield, MO Paul was shopping when an employee noticed he was wearing his POW hat he thanked Paul for his service. He then told Paul of his son being in the service. Paul asked the gentleman to wait there as he would be right back. Well Paul went to his truck to retrieve a Blue Star banner and pin and gave it to this man. In return this employee had a hat embroidered with Post 1977, the American flag, and the Navy symbol. Paul was shocked and wears that hat proudly.

These are just a few things that make Paul a true patriot.