Your turn: Serving others is a way of life
Rockford has been blessed with a lot of great volunteers. Nick Parnello and Barb Berman are just two of the individuals I’ve been honored to know.
On Monday, Nick was surprised with the news that he’s getting a free exterior home makeover thanks to Randy Palmeri & Son. Palmeri & Son has done a complete exterior makeover for veterans the last six years. It’s been doing projects for veterans for eight years.
This year’s improvements come with landscaping in partnership with Tuscan Landscapes.
In typical Nick fashion he was grateful, but thought the makeover should have gone to a younger vet with a family.
Nick served in the Army for three years and did one year in Vietnam. He started the Vietnam Veterans Honor Society in 1984 and the group probably is best known for the LZ Peace Memorial at the northwest corner of the Midway Village Museum property on Guilford Road.
The memorial, which includes a Wall of Honor in tribute to military members from Winnebago County who died in Vietnam, was dedicated in 2005 and is the site for numerous Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Veterans Day and any day people gather to honor those who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
One such event is coming up. There will be a Purple Heart Memorial dedication at 11 a.m. May 4. A Purple Heart that was earned by Major Gen. John Borling, a Rockford resident who spent 6½ years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, will be on display.
“It will be a powerful ceremony,” Nick said. “It’s quite a medal to be earned.”
Nick was a finalist for the Rockford Register Star Excalibur Award, which honors an individual for exemplary community service, in 2021.
“The LZ Peace Memorial is more than a place to host events. It serves as a respite for those who walk, run or bike around the Midway Village path,” the nominator said. “Visitors leave with a greater appreciation for the young men and women who served our country. Many can be seen wiping tears from their eyes as they resume their trek. It's an emotional experience for anyone, even for those who have never had a friend or loved one serve in the armed forces.
“It took about 20 years for Nick Parnello, Tony Bove, Paul Cassioppi and Tony Circelli to make the dream of a memorial to those from Winnebago County who died in Vietnam a reality. They didn't stop there. They continue to improve the site and make visiting it an even more meaningful experience.”
Nick also is the founder of Operation Fallen Flags, LZ Wings for Heroes and LZ Wings for Serenity. In 2015, the Honor Society started Operation Chieu Hoi: War Vets Up Close and Personal. It was a living history lesson for high schoolers and therapy for the veterans who share their wartime experiences with teenagers whose knowledge of the war comes mostly from history books.
What’s next for Nick? “I’ll keep trying to make a difference.”
VOLUNTEER SPIRIT: About one in four Americans volunteer. I don’t know how many volunteers Barb Berman recruited in her life, but I’m sure there are many who decided to give their time and talent because of an encouraging word from Barb.
I was one of them. More years ago than I can remember, Barb approached me about being on the Arthritis Foundation Board. I don’t remember the circumstances, but that was the first of what was to become many volunteer boards I was to serve on.
Barb died April 14. She was 89.
The number of organizations that benefitted from her involvement is impressive. Read Chris Green’s story to see how many different groups she helped.
National Volunteer Week just ended and it would be a worthy tribute to Barb to sign up and volunteer. If you don’t know where to go, check out the United Way’s website and click on the volunteer button.
Local food pantries always need volunteers. The nine pantries that make up the Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition are almost entirely volunteer driven and are eager to accept help. The members are: Rock River Valley Pantry (main branch on Rockton Avenue; second location at 1100 Broadway); Christian Unity Pantry; Unity in the Community/Lighthouse Pantry; St. Elizabeth Pantry; Cornucopia Pantry; Salvation Army Pantry; Emmanuel Lutheran Pantry; God’s Glory Pantry; and Soul Harbor Pantry.
The Mayor’s Hunger Campaign, which benefits those nine pantries, is about to launch its 2024 campaign. I’ll share details in an upcoming column.
Meanwhile, look for opportunities to volunteer. Barb Berman left big shoes to fill.
Wally Haas is executive director of Transform Rockford. His email address is whaas@transformrockford.org.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Your turn: Serving others is a way of life
