Right Worshipful Brother Richard “Van” Vanderhoef serves our Grand Lodge as the Chairman of the Masonic Service Association (MSA) Field Representatives. In that capacity he oversees the visitations of Masonic Representatives to all of the Veterans Hospitals throughout Illinois.

Brother Vanderhoef took over a very important program of our Grand Lodge that had little or no direction. He has worked tirelessly to make sure that all of our Veterans whether Masons or not are visited and are not lacking in any manner.

His organizational skills and “go get em” attitude have turned this into a fine oiled machine and our veterans are being rewarded because of his efforts. The Masons of Illinois are being represented at each of the Hospitals and at a few of the satellite facilities as well.

1LT Robert R. Ortiz is a Medical Officer assigned as the Executive Officer to the 7203rd Medical Support Unit (MSU) located in Hobart, IN.

On June of 2009, 1LT Ortiz was activated and on September 2009 deployed to Afghanistan on support of our Global War on Terrorism and Operation Enduring Freedom X.

Upon arrival in Afghanistan, 1LT Ortiz was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division and later to the 101st Airborne Division as a Combat Advisor for the Afghanistan’s National Army 1st Brigade, 201st Corp Brigade Surgeon

On November 9 and 10, 2009, a Masonic Student Assistance Program team training was held in Rushville at Deb and Di's Restaurant. The program ran from 8:00 to 4:00 both days. Four schools participated in the training, Rushville-Industry High School, Schulyer-Industry MIddle School, Industry Elementary School, and Webster and Washington Elementary School.