Our “Giving Back Time” contest produced so many great nominations this month from listeners who know military veterans who’ve served our country proudly in the military and in civilian life afterward. It was hard to select a winner, but Bremer Jewelry chose Danny Houston Haley as the winner of the beautiful, Amercan (Detroit) and hand-made Shinola Watch, valued at $625.
Jaclyn Woods nominated Danny, and below is the entry she recently submitted at our GLO Facebook page:
“First off I want to say that each and every Veteran is deserving of any and all thanks that are available to them. These men and women literally make the biggest sacrifice. As a mom I know all about sacrifice too. And I would still put their sacrifices ahead of my own. It takes an amazing person to sign on that line.
I have known my share of Vets personally in my lifetime. Grandfathers that served, a brother in law serving and then there is Danny Houston Haley. He is unlike any Vet I have ever met. He literally lives each day as selflessly as he can. He served in the 101st Airborne in Vietnam. He was part of the Battle for Ripcord at A Shau Valley. The battle lasted 23 days and it was the last major confrontation between the US ground forces and North Vietnam. Since then Danny has, in my opinion, lived each day to make sure that every person he comes in contact with is treated with respect and is made to feel like they matter.
Danny is the backbone of the Vietnam Vetearns of Illinois in Washington. Otherwise known as The Vvi Bunker. We dedicated the bunker to him in 2009 and it is also known as Haley Hall. Each weekend he opens this place up and serves food, drinks, music and fun to all Vets and their families. Some of my favorite memories of the last 10 years are going down there and hearing the stories, listening to the Vets sing their cadences and just be a part of the amazing company that gathers there. He has held numerous benefits for fallen brothers and causes close to his heart. From the Horse Shoe tournaments to bag tournaments to poker runs and benefits. He makes sure that each Vet that comes thru that door feels like they are home and safe.
In 2013 Danny was named as the Vetearn of the Year for Tazewell County. In 2014 Quiet Pride Motorcycle Club (made up of Vets, Firefighters, Law Enforcement and other public service men and women) named him their UnSung Hero for all he has done and continues to do.
Danny is also a retired Teamster. He still actively supports that as well. He has helped put the flags up along the roadside in Washington for Veterans Day and Labor Day. A perfect stranger could come across Danny and need the shirt off his back and Danny would gladly hand it over because that is just who he is. I am thankful to be a part of his world. I am thankful to have him be someone my children can look up to. If there is a Vet that deserves this honor, myself and many others would agree that Danny Houston Haley is the Vet. Thank You Danny.”
There were so many other great entries and stories submitted this month. Thanks to all who entered their favorite veteran. Thanks to all the vets and, of course, Bremer Jewelry for the “Giving Back Time” contest with Peoria’s Classic Rock Station, 95.5, GLO. Merry Christmas!
Doc Watson
