A veteran Illinois National Guard sergeant got a big thank you from Chester High School recently, for arranging to have large banners made that honor all CHS senior fall athletes -- and much more.
Sgt. First Class Dane Patterson and the Illinois Army National Guard were honored Sept. 27 during the pregame ceremonies prior to the CHS victory over Johnston City.
CHS Principal Missy Meyer and Assistant Principal Jeremy Blechle personally thanked Patterson for his interest in CHS students over many years, and working closely with CHS on a variety of projects.
Most recently, he arranged for the National Guard to pay for the fall sports banners, that normally cost about $85 each. Every girl and boy athlete in fall sports, from football to cheerleading, golf, volleyball and cross-country received a banner, and now Patterson is working to get banners made for the senior members of the Chester band and flag team.
"I wanted every fall senior athlete to have such a banner, regardless of which sport it was or whether it was a girl's or boy's sport," he said, adding that he'll do the same thing for the winter and spring sports, too.
The banners have a small National Guard logo along the bottoms.
Earlier this year the National Guard, at Patterson's request, also gave a $2,000 general donation to Chester High School which could be used for whatever the administration wants.
Patterson is a recruiter for the Illinois National Guard, stationed at the Sparta office. Over his 20 years of service he was enlisted more than 250 citizens from Randolph County into the Guard.
Patterson didn't start out as a recruiter. From 2003-2004 he was a military police officer in Baghdad, Iraq. He now enjoys recruiting potential enlistees, both male and female, for the Illinois National Guard.
"There are many great benefits associated with enlisting in the Guard," Patterson said. "Enlisted men and women can get 100% free tuition to any state-funded college, university or trade school here in Illinois. In addition, while serving they can get paid a monthly check of up to $900 or more."
He added that enlisted men and women also get a life insurance policy of up to $400,000, along with health coverage and dental insurance.
"It can really be a great opportunity for some high school students who wish to take advantage of what the National Guard has to offer, not to mention the skills and training obtained via the program," he added.
Patterson visits Chester High School and all Randolph County high schools on a regular basis to offer his help, guidance and recruitment opportunities to interested students.
For several years Sgt. Patterson worked in conjunction with Chester High School to offer programming for the annual Chester High School Project Graduation. He will meet with students one on one if they are considered a career in the National Guard.
He also helps organize the Veterans Honor Flights to Washington D.C.
"I love seeing the World War II vets, Korean War vets, and Vietnam War vets experience this very rewarding trip to D.C. to receive the honor they so greatly deserve," he said.
Patterson was appreciative of the brief ceremony recognizing him on Sept. 27. He vows to continue to work hard to help the students of Chester High School in the future.
For information on the Illinois National Guard, contact Patterson on Facebook at Army National Guard Recruiting Station.
