Raul, Paul and Lori are the Military Our Town, Our Heroes Finalists!
By: Stephanie Lewis
November 2, 2012 9:01 am CT
Announcing the three finalists in the last round of Our Town, Our Heroes of 2012! Another year of recognizing and rewarding local heroes is drawing to a close and we couldn’t have asked for three better finalists to feature in our final military-focused round. Raul, Paul and Lori all work in their communities to support our troops abroad and families on the home front. You are all American heroes!
Read on for the inspiring stories of our newest finalists. The winning hero will receive a one-week loan of a Chevrolet vehicle as well as a $500 gift card to continue making a difference in his or her community. Voting ends Friday, November 16, so don’t forget to check in daily to vote for your favorite hero!
Raul Buendia from Aurora, nominated by Robert Lopez
Raul is a military veteran and recent graduate of Aurora University. With his dedication to protect those he loves as well as his drive and passion to help others, Raul has become one of my greatest heroes. I met him three years ago when he came back from Afghanistan and enrolled back in school. Raul and I pledged our Latino fraternity, Phi Iota Alpha Frat. Inc., and along with nine others, we since established staple cultural events on campus such as the Trick or Treat for UNICEF that raised more than $500 in two weeks. Raul has been the driving force behind all of our successes with words of kindness, motivation, understanding, determination and brotherly love. Words cannot put into perspective the vibrant and humble personality Raul has; you have to be around him to experience it. I truly believe there is no other hero like Raul.
Paul Kallembach from DeKalb, nominated by Terry Vance
Paul has selflessly dedicated his life to assisting veterans across Illinois. His efforts go as far as transporting veterans to both the Hines Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Chicago Service Office. Because of Paul’s services, veterans are able to attend medical appointments, handle emergencies, enroll in the VA system and file for VA disability benefit claims. Paul’s efforts stretch beyond just ordinary service. Recently, Paul was able to save a World War II veteran’s life after he was pinned by his wheelchair. Paul knows the importance of honoring every veteran, living or deceased, which is why he organized the DeKalb, Ill. Memorial Day program. Paul’s efforts are beyond inspirational; they are truly heroic.
Lori Stewart from Urbana, nominated by Laura Bleill
Lori exhibits persistence, strength and determination. These qualities are what make her such an inspiration to me and the community. When Lori’s son was first deployed in 2007, Lori started “Toys for Troops.” What began as a small idea has now evolved into an annual effort. Every holiday season, Lori sends care packages to troops packed with letters, baked goods, gifts and more. She has started a community movement by hosting events collecting items and packing boxes. Lori acts as the glue between the community and soldiers abroad, telling their stories and always looking out from them. Lori has kept the basic needs of our soldiers on our minds at all times. She is a true hero for forging a connection between our military with the home front in Champaign-Urbana.
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Voting for this round of Our Town, Our Heroes ends Friday, November 16, and we will announce the winner on DrivingtheMidwest.com on Monday, November 19. Cast your vote once per day until voting ends, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and check out our Facebook page to help spread the word with your friends and family!
Good luck to the finalists! You’re all our heroes!
Tags: Chevrolet, general motors, military, OTOH, OTOH 2012, Our Town Our Heroes, vote
This girl is awesome! She founded the toys for troops and sends beanie babies overseas for children and also sends care packages to our troops!!! Her name is known everywhere. Small town girl with a Big City heart!!!!!!!!!!
Paul is a sincere, humble and dedicated Veteran who provides support to other Veterans. He has taken me to Hines VA hospital several times. He assisted me in filing my original claim with the VA. He definately has my vote of confidence.
Thank you for the nomination of this high honor. Should I be lucky enough to win, all proceeds will be donated to needy Veterans and their families. Thanks to GM for their support of Veterans. Happy Veterans day to all and thank you for your service to our Country.
Paul
Lori is a true hometown hero and a patriot. I applaud her and all of her volunteers that work so hard and strive to make all of our local service personnel feel loved and remembered, not only at Christmas but all through the year. She is truly deserving of this recognition. She is a tireless, sharing patriot.
I have met and spoken with Paul on several occasions, I as VFW post Commander could always count on Paul to put veterans first because he emulates that very sentiment.
all are our heroes, thanks for yours time for me, ever thanks you
Paul has been there for every Veteran, his knowledge of the VA procedures is unserpassed. He has helped every veteran who has ask him and many that have not . His efforts should be recognized.
Lori's in first place so far. Let's keep her there!!!!
Raul is a dedicated young man with a true American spirit. I met him when he attended EAHS with my children and I was impressed with this young man over 8 years ago and I see he has not failed to continue his hard work and dedication to family, friends, community and country. Go Raul!!
Raul is great young man, he is a person who take charge and knows where his heart is. A blessing to us and our country good luck .
lori is a woman that has no bounderies when it comes to her ,'soldier babies'. everyone should visit her, Toys for Troops site. the things she has done and continues to do are awesome. please vote for her.
I have had the honor to get to know Paul over the past couple of years and he is a true hero and inspiration. He served his country as a Marine during Vietnam, which enough to justify his nomination for this honor. However, after his service to our great country he dedicated himself to helping every veteran he meets. It is due to his dedication that younger veterans like myself have learned that “continuing to serve those that served” is not just a phrase but I lifestyle!!! Thanks Paul!!!
I have know Paul for more than 10 years and am continually amazed at how much time and energy he expends assisting veterans in his community and throughout the state. He works tirelessly with indiividual vets to get them the assistance or information they need regardless of the issue. Paul also directs or works on a variety of events annually focusing on veterans, active duty militarry and their families. He is a reall treasure to the people of Illinois.
While I am sure all three of these finalist may be worthy of this honor, I can tell you for a fact no one has done more for Veterans in the last 40 years than Paul Kallembach. Paul travels the state of Illinois from the southern tip to the Wisconsin Line doing well being checks on Veterans. Paul has even saved lives of elderly Veterans whom he has came across that were in in ill health and not able to summon help for themselves. Paul does these deeds as a Non-Paid Volunteer, not for any other reason than he is a "TRUE VETERAN"S VETERAN"!
You will find Paul helping at Homeless Veterans Stand-Downs, Active Duty Yellow Ribbon Events, or anywhere else he can be of help to Veterans or Active Duty Military and their Families. , I am very proud to call this Marine a Friend!
Lori is an amazing, tireless and enthusiastic supporter of our troops…year round, always working and thinking how we can help the guys and gals who keep us safe everyday. Yay Lori!!