Above / The street sign marks the spot where to turn south along Jackson Ave. to find parking at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 in time to participate in special programs for Veterans such as visits to Hines V.A. Hospital on the second Tuesday evening of most months.
Members of the community are invited to join a group of regulars that visits Hines V.A. Hospital on the second Tuesday of the month, September through June.
Local citizens meet up with veterans at 6PM in the VFW Post Canteen, sign in and prepare to depart to Hines V.A. Hospital via a bus provided by the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 and American Legion Post 43.
Organized by John Shaw, the public is invited to join the group that travels to the hospital in Maywood to visit with veterans receiving treatment in the Spinal Unit at Hines. They play Bingo, distribute hand-made greeting cards of cheer and appreciation from local students as well as pass out lap blankets and engage in friendly conversation.
Upon their return to Naperville, usually by 9PM, the group is welcomed to stop by the canteen again to regroup and share a cold beverage along with a few new fond memories about the experience.
Depart 6:15 Tues., Nov. 13, 2018, from Judd Kendall VFW
Veterans Service Officer Mike Barbour noted that Tues., Nov. 13, 2018, is the date for the November Hines visit to the spinal cord unit.
“What better way to show honor and respect to Veterans than by visiting and talking with them… and putting a smile on their faces,” Barbour emailed. “Be there by 6PM. The bus leaves promptly at 6:15PM from the VFW parking lot. We are back at the Post between 8:30 and 9PM.”
Plenty of parking is available behind the VFW, located at 908 W. Jackson Ave.
Sing-along on Dec. 11, 2018
On Tues., Dec. 11, the group will head to Hines for its annual sing-along of holiday songs.
“Again, the bus leaves promptly from the Post at 6:15PM,” added Barbour for the VFW. “Come join us. You will feel so good after we are done caroling. The Veterans are so appreciative.”
Carolers from Naperville typically arrive all decked out in holiday reds and greens and Santa hats. Sheet music with the words to Christmas carols and seasonal songs will be provided.
And afterward when the bus returns to Naperville, the carolers have been known to celebrate the season with more accordion accompaniment and singing in the canteen back at the Judd Kendall VFW.
For more information about Hines visits, call Shaw at (630) 961-3479.
The Judd Kendall VFW is located at 908 W. Jackson Ave., just west of downtown Naperville.
