Catholic War Veterans

Catholic War Veterans Bishop McNicolas Post 1916

Chronological History Report

May 30, 2021 ~ June 1, 2022

By Rosemary Connolly, Post historian

Post email: post1916@cwv.org

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwv1916

Post 1916 website: https://cwv1916.yolasite.com/

As I look through past years of our post's history, I came across this VHS video interview from 5/29/98. It was recorded and converted from VHS to Digital and you can see it here: https://rumble.com/vh521z-veteran-talk-catholic-war-veterans.html

Memorial Mass Jul 11, 2021 Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception ~ 1000 hours

In memorandum of Byron G. Pempek

October 25, 1966 - July 5, 2021

Byron George Pempek was born October 25, 1966, in Ft. Benning, GA. He had been a resident of Springfield, IL since 1967.

Byron attended Little Flower School and graduated from Griffin High School in 1984. While at Griffin, Byron was a trombone player in both concert and marching band.

Byron attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Finance in 1988. While in college, Byron was a member of the jazz band and Dixie Land band. He was also a member of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and received his basic training course at Ft. Bragg.

In the summer of 1987, Byron attended air assault school with 101st Airborne Roster #13 at Ft. Campbell, KY. He became a commissioned officer in May 1988 and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant Transportation Officer January – July 1989. He was posted to Ft. Campbell, KY and was the platoon leader of a medium truck petroleum company hauling aviation fuel for the 541st Transportation Company.

Byron served his country from 1989 – July 1993, including during Desert Storm, during which time he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. After an honorable discharge, Byron went on inactive ready reserve and then to the Illinois National Guard CasQ Company at Camp Lincoln and Lansing, MI, where he completed the transportation advanced course. He served as Captain of the 1544th Transportation Division in Paris, IL and was honorably discharged from the Illinois National Guard in 2001. Byron loved his country and was honored to have served his country.

Byron was a member of the American Musical Ambassadors at Purdue University, with whom he toured in Europe performing in Austria, England, France, Germany, Holland, and Italy.

He was a dedicated worker and was with the State of Illinois, Department of Public Aid/ Healthcare and Family Services since 1993.

Bryon was involved with and a member of numerous groups including, Little Flower Church for 53 years; Catholic Veterans Bishop McNichols Post; Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 755; American Legion Post 32, and Harley Davidson lifetime member.

In 1995, he became an avid bowler, bowling on many teams and in U.S. Bowling Congress Tournaments in Baton Rouge, El Paso, Las Vegas, and Reno.

Byron enjoyed fishing, riding his 1997 Harley Davidson Sportster, and football. He lived and breathed Green Bay Packers football, was a huge fan of Sacred Heart-Griffin football, and rooted on the St. Louis Cardinals.

On October 10, 1998, Byron married Sara L. Terrell and was a devoted husband of 22 years and loving father of his wonderful children, John and Lydia. Byron led a humble life, with integrity and dedicated to providing for his family. His strong work ethic is one we are extremely proud of.

Byron was preceded in death by his infant brother; father, George A. Pempek; and mother, Bessie B. Pempek.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.

Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at Church of the Little Flower, 800 Adlai Stevenson Dr., Springfield, with Rev. Allen Kemme, celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

https://www.butlerfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Byron-G-Pempek?obId=21616833

Mass of Remembrance on July 4th 2021

Attendees at the Mass of Remembrance pictured above: Peggy Bilhartz, Kathy and Dale Smith, Don Werner Pat Noel and Tim Kennedy.

Memorial Mass Jul 11, 2021 Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception ~ 1000 hours

Illinois State Fair Veterans Day Aug 15, 2021

Post 1916 had an information table at the Illinois State Fair for its Veterans Day activities along with numerous other organizations. Our table was held in a building known as “The Shed”. A miniature altar and information stand was set up. Some applications for membership were also handed out. Dan Schumacher was given permission by the organizers to sell our cookbooks for our post fundraiser. Pictured below is Dan Schumacker displaying his late wife's cookbook.

Pictured here is Dale Smith and Charlie Jiardina.

At 4 PM there was a Veteran Parade through the main street of the fair. Rose Connolly and a prospective member walked the route in front of our decorated truck to wave to the crowd. Inside our truck was Dale Smith and his wife Kathy along with Chuck Jiardina. There were 2 American flags flying on the back of this truck.

New member: Clifford Par was voted in on Aug 12, 2021. He is a marine veteran from Chicago. He will need to be a dues paying member for one year and after that he is eligible for a life membership.

New member David Cooper 4/9/2021 and

New member: Dan Bedell 1/14/2021.

Post 1916 congratulates Dale and Kathy Smith on their anniversary. Fr. Joe bestowed a 50th Anniversary Blessing on Dale and Kathy Smith during our Mass in the Grass Liturgy on Aug 14, 2021. Dale and Kathy were blessed to celebrate the occasion with several family members.

“Those who remain in love remain in God and God remains in them.” 1 John 4:16

Post 1916 congratulates Don and Carolyn Werner on their anniversary Aug 24, 2021. Don is our post officer of the day. Fr. Joe bestowed a 50th Anniversary Blessing on Don & Carolyn Werner just this past Sunday at Mass. Congratulations! May you have many more years of joy & happiness!

St Joseph the Worker Facebook Page

MEMORIAL MASS Aug 22 2021 St James Church ~ 0830 hours

MEMORIAL MASS Sep 12 2021 at St Joseph the Worker Church ~ 0800 hours

Pictured: Denny Kirchgesner, Dan Schumacher, Pat Noel, Fr Joe, Rose Connolly, Dale Smith, Peggy Billhartz and Dan Bedell

The memorial Mass is on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgHM1l3iuNc

Father Joe gave the veterans a special blessing at the end of Mass.

CWV’s cookbooks were available at St Joseph The Worker’s craft fair on Oct 16. Pictured are Peggy Billhartz and Dan Schumacher.

MEMORIAL MASS Oct 17 2021 Holy Family Church, Athens ~ 1100 hours

VETERANS DAY November 11, 2021: Bishop McNicholas post 1916 were represented in the Springfield, IL Veterans Day Parade: Peggy Bilhartz, Pat Noel, and Rose Connolly.

MEMORIAL MASS Nov 14 2021 St Joseph Church ~ 0930 hours

Top: Peggy Billhartz, Pat Noel, Charles Jiardina. Bottom: Rose Connolly, Fr Manny, Tim Kennedy, Dale Smith and Deacon Day.

Rose Connolly represented CWV during the Wreaths Across America statehouse wreath laying at the Illinois state capitol on Nov 30, 2021. This was during the 13th annual Nativity Scene celebration in the Illinois Capitol Rotunda. ttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/state-house-ceremonies/

Pictured with the wreath: Rose Connolly representing Catholic War Veterans and Chaplain Steve Holden of the US Emergency Chaplains Corps. Chaplain Steve is the point of contact for the statehouse wreath.

MEMORIAL MASS Dec 12 2021 Holy Cross Church ~ 0815 hours Charlie Jiardina and Pat Noel. \

Veterans' Day Patriotic Poster Contest

Jan 4, 2022: The Catholic War Veterans proudly announce the National Third Place Winner in the "Veterans' Day Patriotic Poster Contest". The Contest was for Third, Fourth and Fifth Grade.

He is Carter Mitts, a Fifth Grader from Christ the King Grade School in Springfield.

He is pictured holding the winning Poster with Dale Smith, Third Vice Commander of the Catholic War Veterans and Mrs. Pam Fahey, Principal of Christ the King Grade School.

He received a Citation recognizing his accomplishment and a check for $50.

This photo was published in the Catholic Times (page 3 on link below).

https://catholictimes.dirxion.com/Catholic-Times-01232022-e-Edition/2/#

Jan 4, 2022: The Catholic War Veterans proudly announce the National Second Place Winner in the "Veterans Day Patriotic Poster Contest"

She is Camille Winkler, a Fourth Grader at St. Paul Catholic School in Highland Il.

Camille received a Citation and a Check for $75 for her accomplishment. Pictured with her Winning Poster is Camille and Dale Smith, Third Vice Commander of the Catholic War Veterans.

Mrs. Haidee Todora, Principal of St. Paul Catholic School took the photo.

This Contest was for Third, Fourth and Fifth Grades.

Last year Camille was the First Place Winner in the "Keep Christ in Christmas" Poster Contest.

Post Christmas Party

Our Post had a Christmas Party that was held at the Chesapeake Seafood House on December 16, 2021. Dan Schumacher gave the Post a $40.00 gift certificate from Chesapeake Seafood House to help pay for the Christmas dinner.

Bishop Joseph A. McNicholas

Catholic War Veteran’s Post #1916

Invites you and one guest

To our annual Christmas Dinner

To be held on

Thursday, December 15, 2022, at 4:00 PM

Chesapeake Seafood House

3045 Clear Lake Avenue

Springfield, Illinois

Ordering will be from the Early Bird menu

With Beverage choice of Coffee, Tea or Soda

Cash bar will be available

RSVP are needed no later than December 8, 2022

Please contact Dale Smith at 217-529-9003.

All non- members of Post 1916 will be asked to contribute $20 towards the cost of their meal plus $20 for their guest.

Tim Kennedy, Commander Post 1916

MEMORIAL MASS Jan 09, 2022 Sacred Heart of Mary Church New Berlin ~ 10:00 am

Pictured at this Mass: Charles Jiardina, Peggy Bilhartz, Dale Smith, Rose Connolly, Pat Noel and Paul Sweet.

Clifford ("Cliff") S. Parr, 80, passed away at Hines VA Hosp, Chicago, on Jan 11, '22.

Services through Bormann Funeral Home, 1600 Chicago Ave, Melrose Park, IL 60160.

Visitation & Funeral Mass on Wed, Jan 19th @ Our Lady of Mercy, 4432 N. Troy St, Chicago, IL 60625 Burial in Resurrection Cemetery.

https://www.bormannfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Clifford--S--Parr?obId=23652688#/celebrationWall

MEMORIAL MASS Feb 13, 2022 Blessed Sacrament Church ~ 8:30 am

Memorial Mass was attended by Pat Noel, Rose Connolly and Dale Smith with pastor Fr Jeffery Grant. Our special Mass intention was listed in the previous week's bulletin found here:

https://d2y1pz2y630308.cloudfront.net/20036/bulletins/20220206.pdf

This parish has a little library exchange of Catholic materials.

MEMORIAL MASS Mar 13, 2022 St. Francis Cabrini Church ~ 9:30 am attended by Pat Noel and Dale Smith.

On Friday,April 20th, Rose Connolly was awarded the Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Award at the DAR state convention in Bloomington IL. She was not afforded an opportunity for an acceptance speech. This photo was publicized in the Chatham Clarion.