The mission of Heart of Illinois Chapter is to benefit the members of the uniformed services, their families and survivors, and to advocate for a strong national defense, while providing support to the community and programs to grow our members.

In order to continue these great programs and activities we need great members, that’s where you come in. We still meet at the Lariat Steakhouse 2232 W Glen Ave Peoria on the third Tuesday of the month except June, July, August and December.  We have added the ability to join Chapter meetings using ZOOM if you cannot attend in person. The Camaraderie before the meeting is vibrant and we all learn from each other during our meetings.  To join our Chapter, Please reply to our Chapter president  david.zabinski@comcast.net

Our members are involved supporting such endeavors as “Tee it up for the Troops”, Honor Flights, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, ROTC, JROTC, Veterans Affairs, and others.  In addition, our programs range from current affairs such as Ukraine & Middle East, critical military impacts such as Tricare changes, “Planning for Military Spousal Benefits” and military historical learnings. We are always looking for other ways to support the military in our Chapter region.  Contact us with requests.

Of course, our reason for existence is to influence legislation that affects the military, especially retirees, and there is much of that floating around these days – such as 2025 Tricare changes. And we track what affects Active and Reserve/Guard as well. With so little military experience in our legislature these days, they need our voice.

Future Planned Programs: 182nd Jackson Recruiting Office; AI in the Military.

Chapter’s Program on 18 March 2025 will be an update on ROTC units at Illinios State University - Bradley University - Wesleyan University  by LTC Steve Krippel ROTC Commanding Officer.

LTC Steven Krippel enlisted as an Infantryman in the Illinois Army National Guard in 1999. He has two combat deployments to Iraq—the first in 2003 with Hotel Company Long Range Surveillance unit. Upon commissioning into the Infantry, he deployed with the 101st Airborne Division in 2007. LTC Krippel has three combat deployments to Afghanistan, all with the 3rd Ranger Battalion from 2009 through 2012. In addition to his combat deployments, LTC Krippel has two operational deployments to Ukraine and Poland.

His awards and decorations include the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Airborne, Air Assault, Pathfinder, Bronze Star Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Meritorious Service Medal.