It has a with a very heavy heart I report that DAV Chapter #17 Hammond member Rene Nawodylo passed away during the past week. Along with being a member of our DAV Chapter Rene was also a member of John Kendra Chapter of the Purple Hearts of Hammond.
Rene was very instrumental in the founding of the Chicago Southeast Side Vietnam Veterans organization. This group gathered the 44 families of the Southeast Side of Chicago who lost a son, a father or loved during the Vietnam War together to honor and respect their memory.
This group was also very involved the the 1986 “Welcome Home” Vietnam Veterans March in downtown Chicago. This March had hundreds of thousands of Vietnam Veterans march through the heart of Chicago during noon time cheered on by millions of spectators. This event changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Vietnam Veterans as we were finally welcomed home from the horrors of war.
Due to the Covid Pandemic there will be no services. A group will gather today 1/3/2021 at 12 noon on the street across from Rene’s home, 3958 – 112th St across from Edgar’s Gove in the Chicago Forest Preserve District.
This Vietnam Veteran can now rest leaving behind a Legacy of Service and Honor to his Country and to his Fellow Veteran.
May Rene Rest In Peace until we meet again.