SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - A Laotian-born Navy veteran from Elgin is being honored in June as Illinois’ veteran of the month.
The state’s Department of Veterans Affairs announced it held a ceremony for Chindavanh Keomuongchanh (Kee-OH-Mong-Chan’) at the city’s Veterans Memorial Park.
Department Director Erica Borggren says Keomuongchanh is a “wonderful example of what veterans bring back to communities in terms of a lifelong commitment to serving others.”
Keomuongchanh and his family fled Laos to avoid persecution by the Communist government in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. He and his family arrived in Illinois, where he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for a career spanning three decades, earning a number of awards and decorations. He has continued to serve in a variety community organizations since his honorable discharge from the Navy.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.