History of Salute,
Inc.
September 11, 2001!
This infamous
date is emblazoned in the consciousness of all Americans. The terrible
events of that day are forever in the memories of all who witnessed
the largest terrorist attack on American soil. It is also the date
when the seeds were sown for the formation of SALUTE,
Inc.
Soon after
the horrific attack by terrorists, Will Beiersdorf was called to serve
in the War on Terrorism. As a Master-at Arms, he was needed to help the
United States set up and operate the detention center at Guantanamo Bay.
Will was called away from his comfortable suburban home in Arlington
Heights, Illinois, leaving his lovely wife, Mary Beth, and his three young
sons behind. Will was proud to serve, but the severe financial impact
on his family soon came as a startling revelation. The company he worked
for provided no accommodation for Will's service. His family income was
reduced to a quarter of its previous level and his benefits were soon
terminated.
While Will
was serving his country, his family was left on their own to face a
bleak future. However, this situation did not last for long. The community,
the church, friends and family soon rallied behind this family, and the support they
received was overwhelming. This fantastic out-pouring of goodwill,
made both Will and Mary Beth realize how blessed they were to have
this great support system. It also made Mary Beth wonder about those
service families that were not so fortunate. Who could they turn to
for comfort and support to get them through this potential financial
disaster? And what about those service personnel who were wounded,
disabled or killed? Where could they and their families turn for support?
People who have sacrificed so much to ensure our freedom and defend
our country were not being fairly treated.. She knew she needed to
do something to help others less fortunate than her.
Mary Beth
soon became aware of the efforts by Illinois Lieutenant Governor Pat
Quinn. In support of service personnel and their families.. She joined
his campaign for the passage of the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund
(IMFRF). She and her three young sons plunged into this
campaign, and became major spokespersons for the passage of this important
legislation. They appeared at rallies, on television, at political
and social events, and anywhere they could contribute to the support
of this program. Will also supported the program when he came home
on leave.
Will
was one of the lucky ones and came home after a year of service. He then
threw himself into strongly supporting the IMFRF. With the unwavering
support of Lt. Governor Quinn, Will and Mary Beth's actions were rewarded
when this bill was passed in 2003. Illinois citizens can now show their
support for our troops and their families by checking off the box on their
Illinois tax return to donate to this fund. (For more information on the
Illinois Military Family Relief Fund, please go to http://www.operationhomefront.org/).
But
Will and Mary Beth still felt that they should do more to support
our military personnel and their families. Government action is fine,
but why not also enlist the private sector to give caring corporations,
local businesses and individuals a chance to show their support for
those who are making immeasurable sacrifices for their country? Thus
was born SALUTE,
Inc. Will
and Mary Beth got together with some of their friends and family,
pooled their resources and set up the organization now known as SALUTE, Inc.
Our
first event, the "Illinois Salutes 5K Run and Family Walk" was
held in Arlington Heights, Illinois on May 29, 2004, and raised several
thousand dollars to be distributed to needy active and veteran military
personnel and their families.
Stories
about those helped by SALUTE,
Inc. can be found on the "News" page
of our website.