ILSSAR Programs & Awards

Cemetery Marking Project

The Illinois Society has undertaken a project to mark select Illinois graveyards where Revolutionary Patriots are buried. Although many of the individual graves are already marked, our hope is to place a cast-aluminum plaque at the entrance to the graveyard to allow visitors to honor the graves of the Patriots as well as to aid in protecting these cemeteries from being lost to development.  

One of the most rewarding aspects of the Illinois SAR is its recognition of and rewarding of excellence, achievement and outstanding citizens. This occurs in many ways, such as scholarships, medals, and certificates.

A list of the Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois can be found in the following PDF files:
Past Year's Recipients
2015 ~ Police Officer Benjamin Jones Fire Fighter Douglas Roosevelt .
2014 ~  Detective Nicole Bruno, Acting Captain Steven Zimmerman, Engineer Steven Petrovics, Engineer Lance Benedict,  Firefighter/Paramedic Rodney Williams
2010 ~ James S. Lopez
2005 ~ Jerry O'meara, Law Enforcement
2002 ~ Mark Fleischhauer, Law Enforcement
2000 ~ Don Carter, Law Enforcement
1998 ~ Mrs Kenyne Vincent, Law Enforcement
1996 ~ Richard Mills, Law Enforcement
1986 ~ James Partridge, Hero Medal
1983 ~ Walter Riebling, Law Enforcement
1980 ~ Ronald P. Adams, Law Enforcement

Public Service Awards

The society is proud to recognize the accomplishments and exceptional contributions of public servants in the fields of law enforcement, fire safety, and
emergency medial services for service and acts beyond what is normally expected. These awards may be given to an individual only once and may be
awarded posthumously.
  • The Law Enforcement Commendation Medal is awarded to those that have served with distinction in the field of law enforcement. The medal recognizes exceptional service or accomplishment in the field by police officers and those that make and enforce the law including attorneys, judges, prosecutors and legislators.
  • The Fire Safety Commendation Medal recognizes individuals for accomplishments. The award is available to firefighters and those that protect human life
  • and property from injuries or casualties due to fire and chemicals. The award recognizes the variety of roles that have evolved into a highly technical and skilled professions requiring constant study.
  • The Emergency Medical Services Commendation Medal is given to individuals for accomplishments and/or outstanding contribution in an area of emergency medical services, including paramedics, certified Emergency Medical Technicians, and others in the emergency medical fields.
At the 2016 meeting, an award was presented to: James Vernon, a civilian hero.   Contact the chairman for more information.

Charles B. and Eleanor Schweizer American History Teacher Award

The American History Teacher Award recognizes an outstanding history teacher whose instruction on the Revolutionary War era (1750-1800) demonstrates educational efforts in the classroom that exceed and excel above currently accepted requirements. The state winner receives a $1,000 award and plaque. The award program will be conducted first in Chapters and then at the State and National Levels. Candidates interested in entering the Local Chapter contest must complete the required application and submit a written essay, not to exceed 500 words, discussing any extraordinary teaching techniques or innovative projects utilized by the teacher in the past to teach the Revolutionary War.  The 2015-2016  winner is Deann Festr  who teaches at Calhoun Junior High School in
Hardino, IL.  For more information, contact the state History Teacher Award chairman.
Past year's recipients
2015 ~ Kristin Strubhart
2014 ~ Thomas Davis
2013 ~ Ryan Koehler
2012 ~ Seth Graves
2011 ~ Barbara Kay
2010 ~ Jeff Welker
2009 ~ Deanna Wiist, Normal Community West H.S.
2008 ~ Sue Settle, Centralia H.S.

Veterans Support

The Illinois SAR participates in the Wreaths Across America project.  

Also, each year, the Illinois SAR makes a monetary award to an Illinois facility housing veterans.  

In 2011, a check for $1,500 was donated to the Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno, Illinois. The
funds will be used for patient lifts. For additional information on this program, contact the state chairman.

LEFT:  ILSSAR Compatriots Ronald Smith and Chuck Sener, presenting the check to Kathy Sanzotta, Director of Volunteer/Activity Services.