$300 donations are an expression of partnership and appreciation
by Melanie Jongsma
From left: Sergeant at Arms Greg Altgilbers and President Nick Grigutis present Fire Chief Verkaik with a donation from the Legion Riders. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)LANSING, Ill. (December 5, 2017) – Outside the courtroom, before the Village Board meetings began, representatives of the Legion Riders Edward Schultz Chapter 697 held their own brief meeting with Police Chief Dennis Murrin and Fire Chief Ken Verkaik. They presented each with a check for $300.00.
From left: Kevin Engelbrecht, Police Chief Dennis Murrin, Greg Altgilbers, Nick Grigutis, and Debbie Altgilbers have all been involved in welcoming veterans home to Lansing. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)The gifts were a way to express appreciation for the police department and fire department presence when Legion Riders escort veterans home following an Honor Flight or other return. Police help clear the route, and both police and fire vehicles participate with sirens and flashing lights to announce the arrival of a hero. This kind of involvement requires manpower and scheduling, and the Legion Riders wanted to acknowledge both departments.
Nick Grigutis is President of the Legion Riders Edward Schultz Chapter 697; Greg Altgilbers is Sergeant at Arms, and Debbie Altgilbers is Historian.
The Riders meet at Lansing’s American Legion on 18255 Grant Street. For more information about the variety of services they provide, visit the Chapter 697 Facebook page.
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.
