Doug Meffley, Director at Honor Flight Chicago (HFC), Joins Andrea Darlas on The Ray Stevens Show to discusses the organization’s mission to celebrate and honor senior war veterans with a life-changing, all-expense-paid journey to Washington, D.C.. Founded in 2008, the Chicago hub has become the most prolific in the national Honor Flight Network, having flown over 12,000 veterans to visit the memorials built in their honor.

Meffley highlights the profound impact these trips have, particularly for Vietnam War veterans who often did not receive the "welcome home" they deserved. The experience includes a "Day of Honor" at various national memorials and concludes with a celebrated Welcome Home ceremony at Midway International Airport.

Doug Meffley, Director at Honor Flight Chicago (HFC), Joins Andrea Darlas on The Ray Stevens Show to discusses the organization&rsquo;s mission to celebrate and honor senior war veterans with a life-changing, all-expense-paid journey to Washington, D.C.. Founded in 2008, the Chicago hub has become the most prolific in the national Honor Flight Network, having flown over 12,000 veterans to visit the memorials built in their honor.
Meffley highlights the profound impact these trips have, particularly for Vietnam War veterans who often did not receive the "welcome home" they deserved. The experience includes a "Day of Honor" at various national memorials and concludes with a celebrated Welcome Home ceremony at Midway International Airport.

Ray Stevens brings the RIGHT side of the conversation to mornings on 890 WLS-AM live from 6am-9am. If you missed the show, come here to catch up on the right side of Chicago talk.

Ray Stevens brings the RIGHT side of the conversation to mornings on 890 WLS-AM live from 6am-9am. If you missed the show, come here to catch up on the right side of Chicago talk.

The Ray Stevens Show

Ray Stevens brings the RIGHT side of the conversation to mornings on 890 WLS-AM live from 5:30am-9am. If you missed the show, come here to catch up on the right side of Chicago talk. 

Ray Stevens brings the RIGHT side of the conversation to mornings on 890 WLS-AM live from 5:30am-9am. If you missed the show, come here to catch up on the right side of Chicago talk.

Military Monday: Honor Flight Chicago A Journey of Honor, Thanks, and Inspiration

Maureen Biggane, a former Chicago Police District Commander and the current Director of Operations for the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation (CPMF), shares the organization's noble mission. Founded 22 years ago, the CPMF's primary goal is to provide financial and emotional support to the families of Chicago police officers who have been killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty.

While the foundation initially focused on creating the memorial wall at Soldier Field, its mission has expanded to include ongoing support for "Gold Star Families". The CPMF has provided nearly $25 million in total assistance, with a significant portion dedicated to its education program. This program supports the educational journeys of fallen officers' children, with success stories like a recipient who is now in medical school.

"Get Behind the Vest" This initiative helps officers replace their bulletproof vests, which expire every five years and are often a significant out-of-pocket expense. To date, the foundation has replaced more than 14,000 vests. Maureen highlights several holiday-themed fundraisers, including the sale of Nothing Bundt Cakes at the Police Academy and Blue Line Truffles at City News Cafe.

From purchasing specialty CPMF license plates and swag to attending popular events like the "Run to Remember" or charity baseball games at Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field, there are numerous ways for the community to show their support.

 

Maureen Biggane, a former Chicago Police District Commander and the current Director of Operations for the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation (CPMF), shares the organization's noble mission. Founded 22 years ago, the CPMF's primary goal is to provide financial and emotional support to the families of Chicago police officers who have been killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty.
While the foundation initially focused on creating the memorial wall at Soldier Field, its mission has expanded to include ongoing support for "Gold Star Families".&nbsp;The CPMF has provided nearly $25 million in total assistance, with a significant portion dedicated to its education program. This program supports the educational journeys of fallen officers' children, with success stories like a recipient who is now in medical school.
"Get Behind the Vest" This initiative helps officers replace their bulletproof vests, which expire every five years and are often a significant out-of-pocket expense. To date, the foundation has replaced more than 14,000 vests. Maureen highlights several holiday-themed fundraisers, including the sale of Nothing Bundt Cakes at the Police Academy and Blue Line Truffles at City News Cafe.
From purchasing specialty CPMF license plates and swag to attending popular events like the "Run to Remember" or charity baseball games at Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field, there are numerous ways for the community to show their support.
&nbsp;

Chicago Police Memorial Foundation: Supporting Our Heroes and Their Families

Hinsdale President Greg Hart joins the program to share why Hinsdale is a "straight out of a postcard" destination during the holiday season. The conversation highlights the unique charm of the village's historic downtown, which comes alive with glowing storefronts, holiday lights, and families enjoying the festive atmosphere with hot cocoa in hand.

President Hart emphasizes the intentional and quaint feel of shopping in Hinsdale compared to big-box stores. The downtown area is primarily comprised of "mom and pop" businesses, including local favorites like Fuller House and Café la Fortuna. The village is celebrating the opening of new restaurants like Dinucci’s and Balihai, signaling strong economic health and momentum for the area.

President Hart discusses his goal to diversify the sales tax base by making Hinsdale an attractive destination for smart development and unique dining experiences. With 60% of residents who previously commuted now working from home, the village is focusing on adding amenities that fit today's lifestyle, such as a potential permanent concert pavilion for community gatherings.

The President Hart shares personal holiday favorites, including the annual Tree Lighting ceremony and the tradition of driving through the village to admire the elaborate decorations residents put up. He also mentions the popular ice rinks, particularly the one at Burns Field.

Hinsdale President Greg Hart joins the program to share why Hinsdale is a "straight out of a postcard" destination during the holiday season. The conversation highlights the unique charm of the village's historic downtown, which comes alive with glowing storefronts, holiday lights, and families enjoying the festive atmosphere with hot cocoa in hand.
President Hart emphasizes the intentional and quaint feel of shopping in Hinsdale compared to big-box stores. The downtown area is primarily comprised of "mom and pop" businesses, including local favorites like Fuller House and Caf&eacute; la Fortuna.&nbsp;The village is celebrating the opening of new restaurants like Dinucci&rsquo;s and Balihai, signaling strong economic health and momentum for the area.
President Hart discusses his goal to diversify the sales tax base by making Hinsdale an attractive destination for smart development and unique dining experiences.&nbsp;With 60% of residents who previously commuted now working from home, the village is focusing on adding amenities that fit today's lifestyle, such as a potential permanent concert pavilion for community gatherings.
The President Hart shares personal holiday favorites, including the annual Tree Lighting ceremony and the tradition of driving through the village to admire the elaborate decorations residents put up. He also mentions the popular ice rinks, particularly the one at Burns Field.

Hinsdale Holidays: Festive Shopping, Dining, and Community Traditions

Steve Bernas, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), joins The Ray Stevens Show to discuss essential tips for consumers during the holiday season. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from gift card rules to the latest scams targeting unsuspecting shoppers.

Bernas clarifies that gift cards do not expire as quickly as they once did but urges consumers to use them promptly. He warns against buying cards from secondary markets like flea markets and advises checking the physical card for tampering (e.g., stickers over barcodes or exposed PINs).

For service workers like mail carriers, Bernas recommends buying gift cards directly from retailers or reputable websites rather than following unsolicited links.

They discussion highlights the rise of puppy scams (fake online pet listings) and phone/text scams. Bernas advises never answering calls from unrecognized numbers and being wary of "fear factor" messages, such as fake package delivery alerts or unauthorized bank charges.

Consumers are encouraged to sign up for credit card purchase alerts and to regularly monitor their credit. Bernas emphasizes using annualcreditreport.com to get free reports and to "freeze" credit as a proactive safety measure. Bernas warns that most scams rely on creating a sense of urgency. He advises taking at least 30 minutes to research a claim before providing any money or personal information.

Listeners are directed to bbb.org to research businesses, report scams via the Scam Tracker, and find reputable organizations they can trust.

Steve Bernas, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), joins The Ray Stevens Show to discuss essential tips for consumers during the holiday season. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from gift card rules to the latest scams targeting unsuspecting shoppers.
Bernas clarifies that gift cards do not expire as quickly as they once did but urges consumers to use them promptly. He warns against buying cards from secondary markets like flea markets and advises checking the physical card for tampering (e.g., stickers over barcodes or exposed PINs).
For service workers like mail carriers, Bernas recommends buying gift cards directly from retailers or reputable websites rather than following unsolicited links.
They discussion highlights the rise of puppy scams (fake online pet listings) and phone/text scams. Bernas advises never answering calls from unrecognized numbers and being wary of "fear factor" messages, such as fake package delivery alerts or unauthorized bank charges.
Consumers are encouraged to sign up for credit card purchase alerts and to regularly monitor their credit. Bernas emphasizes using annualcreditreport.com to get free reports and to "freeze" credit as a proactive safety measure.&nbsp;Bernas warns that most scams rely on creating a sense of urgency. He advises taking at least 30 minutes to research a claim before providing any money or personal information.
Listeners are directed to bbb.org to research businesses, report scams via the Scam Tracker, and find reputable organizations they can trust.

Military Monday: Honor Flight Chicago A Journey of Honor, Thanks, and Inspiration

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