Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door, and 100% of proceeds will go to our Illinois veterans and their families. Did we mention that beer, wine, and vodka are included in that ticket price!?!

The event is from 6pm to 9pm, so come out and join us to have some fun in support of this great cause. Make sure to Buy Tickets today before this event sells out!

Harrison has been the interview-er for all types of business leaders, authors, athletes, and celebrities. He’s also conducted all of our Medinah Patriot Day Spotlight interviews, but today, he is the interview-ee. Let’s see if I can make him squirm on the hot seat….

Ready. Set. Go!

Tell me a little bit about yourself. What makes you, you?

I am always looking for ways to create value for people. I work hard to be the best husband and father possible, and I would be half the man without their love and support. I also pour an equal amount of passion into my marketing and pr business. My philosophy is simple; listen, share, and care about the people around you, and always find a way to be a positive force in the lives of others.

You and your brother both served in our US military, tell us a little about that experience and what motivated you to enlist?

My father served in the Navy during Korean War and my older brother retired from the Army after 20+ years. To be honest, I did not join the Navy out of any patriotic cause or feeling, but more because I was a troubled kid who lacked direction. I honestly had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and the military just seemed like the place that could turn me from a snot-nosed kid into a man. It was one of the best experiences of my life, and something I will treasure forever. It taught me that there was something bigger than myself in the world, and it filled me with pride. You learn to depend on others and work as a team, and it gave me the discipline needed to succeed in the civilian world.

Why is Medinah Patriot Day so important to you?

Veterans are my heroes, but I really feel that most of us don’t realize the sacrifices the families make too. When I first met Mark Slaby (the founder of the Illinois Patriot Educaiton Fund) I could feel his sincere passion for making a difference in the lives of veterans AND their families. Once I found out that 100% of the money raised went to these families, I was all-in.

How can people wanting to support veterans get involved with the Illinois Patriot Education Fund?

There are so many ways! You can play a historic round of golf on the home course of the 2012 Ryder Cup, sponsor a hole, and/or attend the VIP cocktail party on Medinah Patriot Day. You can also volunteer your time to promote the cause, work the event, raise money, and more. We will also be having other events around Chicago too. These heroes need our help, they sacrificed everything for us, and even small donations like $10 can add up to make a difference.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Watching shows like Pawn Stars and American Pickers. I love history, and I love a great story. These two shows bring out some amazing items with fantastic tales behind them. Could you imagine holding a document signed by George Washington, shooting a Colt M1911 used in WWI, or wearing the jacket Harry Houdini escaped from?

What are some of your other passions and hobbies? What do you like to do in your spare time?

My life is pretty much work and family right now. When I am not focused on marketing, public relations and social media for clients, it is all about spending time with my wife and kids. My oldest daughter is a competitive cheerleader, and my youngest like to sing, so I spend a lot of time supporting them so they can pursue their passions too.

What is your favorite song?

I am a huge Grateful Dead fan and could never pick just one song. Okay, I know that’s not an answer to the question at hand, so let’s go with Elton John’s “Our Song”. That is the song the wife and I chose for our first dance as a married couple, and it always brings back a lot of emotion.

In closing, what would you like to say to all of your brothers and sisters still serving, your fellow veterans, and their families?

A huge thank you to you AND your families! I know we don’t say those two simple words enough, but you are very appreciated. Please know that there are a lot of people who respect your sacrifice, care about you, and are here to help you.

So that’s it folks… Now back to our regular scheduled programming with Harrison firing the questions again.

It was an honor to interview Harrison to learn more about his military history and his dedication to our military families. We’re lucky to have men like Harrison who have served our country but are even luckier to have people like Harrison and many of our other IPEF volunteers who continue to serve by helping their fellow soldiers after they return home.

For more information on how you can register, make a donation or get involved with Medinah Patriot Day and the Illinois Patriot Education Fund, please call Brian Tomkins today at (708) 250-0153.

Brian Tomkins
Tournament Director
Medinah Patriot Day

Brian is very passionate about Chicago and our veterans, and is always doing something to give back to the city and people he loves.

So please enjoy this interview as we discuss work, family, and who his real heroes are!

When you’re not working on Medinah Patriot Day, what is it you do?

Business-wise, I help companies bring their marketing and PR campaigns out of the 20th Century and into the 21st. I like to say we’re old school meets new school. We take traditional methods that have always worked and amplify them through the digital world with social media and everything else the internet has to offer. We also help with product launches, grand openings, book launches plus sponsorship creation, negotiation and sales. 2012 will be an exciting year thanks to several major events, and some TV projects in the works. I definitely don’t have the typical 9-5. Personally, I have a wife and four kids at home so when I’m not working, I spend as much time as I can with them. This summer will be my 15th wedding anniversary (shh I had to do some math). My daughters are 13 & 11 and my sons are 6 & 3. My work can be exciting so I try to include my kids whenever I can so I can increase my “cool factor,” especially with my daughters.

How did you get involved with Medinah Patriot Day?

I had been hosting Christmas parties for Operation Homefront IL. I saw something scrawl across Twitter announcing the Illinois Patriot Education Fund has partnered with Operation Homefront. I went to an IPEF fundraiser and the rest is history. After meeting IPEF founder Mark Slaby and hearing about IPEF’s mission and saw his passion, I told him I’d do whatever I can to help. So here I am doing all I can to make a difference to help our veterans right here in Illinois. Anytime I’m doing charity work, I always include my family. I just try to teach them by example how important is to give. My son helped me load a semi truck with items for the victims of the Joplin tornado, and my daughters have gotten pretty good at selling raffle tickets at fundraisers. This year they’ll be at Medinah with me.

Why is helping the veterans so important to you?

I never served, and no one in my close family has either. Ever since Vietnam, I just don’t think our military has received the support they should when they come home. During World War II, everyone’s daily lives were impacted by the war. Today, the casualties might get a quick mention on the news and our veterans are not welcomed home with enough opportunities. Sorry, I was a history major. After living in San Diego, I got to know a ton of veterans. In San Diego, almost everyone is connected a military member. I just met too many homeless veterans and too many struggling veterans to sit back. They’re my heroes, not the guys in the NFL, MLB, or NBA. When I came back to Chicago I decided I would do all I could to help our military families.

How can other people get involved?

My philosophy when it comes to charity work is simple: Ask small things of a lot of people. The simplest thing people can do is to share our event with everyone they know. Just a few emails, texts, phone calls, tweets, and Facebook updates can go a long way. If they want to make a larger commitment, they can always volunteer to help on May 29th. The number one thing right now is to sell out our foursomes and our hole sponsorships. Any help doing that would be greatly appreciated by me and more importantly, our Illinois Student Veterans.

You are kind of known as Mr. Chicago, what is it that you love so much about the city?

Mr. Chicago is laying it on a little thick… Honestly, you might be the first one who has referred to me as that. I LOVE Chicago and it doesn’t take me long to let people know it. If I won the lottery, I’d still want to live in Chicago. My short time living in San Diego made me love and appreciate Chicago even more. I guess what you’re probably referring to is that I’ve been known to do a little networking and connecting in my day. Being a guy that knows a lot of people and loves connecting the right people is something that I love. I’m like a match-maker for businesses. I also tinker around a little on those websites Facebook & Twitter and get to know and connect a lot of people there.

Tell us a little bit about your experience as a wrestler…

After wrestling in HS, I had an opportunity to wrestle in college for a great team with an amazing coach & incredible teammates. We recruited from coast to coast so I still have friends scattered all over the country. I love those guys. We just reunited a few weeks ago at the US Olympic Wrestling Trials to support another teammate. I wrestled on 2 USA teams that traveled to Siberia Russia to compete in 1995 & 1998. I also coached US Team of HS students that traveled to Yakutia, Russia. It was an amazing experience to represent our country in the sport I loved. I grew up listening to the National Anthem before every match. To this day, when I hear the anthem I start jumping around ready to rip someone’s head off. When I hear Jim Cornelison sing, I think I can run out to that mat and recapture the old glory.

How did wrestling prepare you for the business world?

Wrestling is more of a team sport than people think. Even though you’re out on the mat alone, it was your teammates that bled and sweat with you to prepare you for that match. My closest friends to this day are people I wrestled in college with. The intense training and having to step on that mat alone in front of a crowd makes every challenge I have faced since a piece a cake. Wrestling 10 years after the doctors told me I have to retire taught me the perseverance I apply to life and business. I never had a fear of public speaking simply because even though I’m up on that stage alone in front of an audience staring at me, no one else is on that stage trying to hurt me.

If you could wrestle one person, who would it be?

Abe Lincoln… I heard he was a pretty good wrestler back in his day and I think I could take him.

WWE or UFC?

C’mon man… That’s insulting. UFC hands down. UFC is the real deal and what I love the most about it is that it’s dominated by real wrestlers. No real wrestler can watch the WWE. I gave up on the WWF when I learned Hulk Hogan, King Kong Bundy, Andre the Giant, and the rest were all actors. Boxing or UFC would have been a fairer question, but once again it’s UFC in a landslide. Boxing will never recover from the domination of the UFC.

In closing, what would you like to say to all of our active service members, veterans, and their families…?

Thank you! I wish I could look every one of them in the eyes and thank them for all they do. They are my heroes. I want them to know there are people here that care for them and their families and we will do all we can to help them when they come home and help their families when they are away.

Another fantastic interview, and a smackdown with Abe Lincoln too! Priceless!!!

I love what Brian said about asking small things from a lot of people. We don’t have to have the wealth of Bill Gates, or free time of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, to make a difference. Whatever we can do to have a positive influence on the world helps, and the little things really do add up to big things. It can even be something as simple as thanking a veteran and their family, kind words can go a long way too.

On behalf of everyone at Medinah Patriot Day, I would like to thank Brian for taking the time for this interview, and for everything he is doing to make Medinah Patriot Day a success.

For more information on how you can register, make a donation or get involved with Medinah Patriot Day and the Illinois Patriot Education Fund, please call Brian Tomkins today at (708) 250-0153.

LOVE IT!

Harrison Painter
PR/VIP Committee Chairman
Medinah Patriot Day

Aon has generously provided the opportunity for 20 lucky golfers to attempt “a hole in one” for ONE MILLION DOLLARS CASH.

If you are successful, the Illinois Patriot Education Fund will receive $500,000 to help fund our local scholarship efforts and the other $500,000 will be provided to you to divide however you want! (veterans families, keep all the $$, divide amongst your foursome, etc)

For more information on the AON Million Dollar Shootout, how to register, donate, or become part of Medinah Patriot Day then please visit our registration page today!

100% of all money raised goes to Illinois veterans and their families.

Lancaster always knew he wanted to serve in the Armed Forces. He thought about enlisting in the military right out of High School, but decided to go to college and pursue the Army ROTC instead.

Lancaster started his Field Artillery Basic Course at Fort Sill in 2006, and then Airborne School at Fort Benning.

His first deployment to Iraq was in August of 2007 in support of “The Surge” and his second was in 2009 in support of the drawdown. He earned an Army Commendation Medal and Bronze Star too.

Today he is very active in support of Veterans wherever he finds opportunity and is currently serving as the Volunteer Committee Chairman for Medinah Patriot Day.

I was honored with the opportunity to interview Kit last week and would love to share it with you today.

You were a freshman in college when the 9/11 attacks happened, how did that experience change your life?

It changed my entire Army experience. When 9/11 happened I realized if I got an ROTC Scholarship I would be joining an Army going to war. Not an Army of the 1990’s that deployed in support of humanitarian and peace keeping missions. It actually gave me even more purpose and desire to become a military officer. If there was ever a time the country needed me to sign up and serve it was in 2001. I qualified and received a four year ROTC Scholarship in the spring of 2002.

You enlisted in the army and served in Iraq during the war, was there ever a moment when you regretted the decision?

Not for a minute. I found out really fast, I was getting more experience and more challenges then a lot of my peers in the private sector. I enjoyed the challenges. I enjoyed challenging others.

What one food item did you miss the most when you were deployed?

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie!

You won the Army Commendation Medal and Bronze Star, how did that make you feel?

It is always nice to be recognized. Those awards are a testament to the hard work and commitment to excellence of the teams I had the honor of leading. With the dedication of hard working Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers to execute the mission we had day in and day out. Frequently with limited resources, specific time windows, adverse operating conditions and an enemy vote to further complicate operations.

Why is the Medinah Patriot Day so important to you?

Opportunities to honor support and further the interests of veterans who want to better themselves are very important to me and my family. As an Army officer your obligation is always put soldiers and their families first. The Medinah Patriot Day is important to me, because this is an opportunity to continue to support soldiers and their family in their pursuit of excellence.

What are some of your other passions and hobbies, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy cycling, running, football, poker, cigars and scotch.

What is your favorite song?

Based on my experience as a Field Artillery Officer I would have to with – Rocket Man by Elton John, and Radar Love by Golden Earring.

In closing, what would you like to say to all of your brothers and sisters still serving, our fellow veterans, and their families?

Thank you! You and your families sacrifice a lot to protect our nation. I have great respect for your work.

Thank you so much for taking the time for this interview Kit Lancaster. It was an honor for me, and I can never thank you enough for your service.

The Lancaster’s are a family of heroes, and we would like to thank all of them for what they have sacrificed for our country.

If you or your company would like to get involved in supporting our Illinois veterans and Medina Patriot Day, please contact us today. We have hole sponsorships still available, and a few foursomes left too! This is going to be an amazing event for a great cause on May 29, 2012, and we would love to have you there.

For more information please contact any of us on the Executive Committee Page here on the Medinah Patriot Day website.

Thank you,

Harrison Painter
PR/VIP Committee
(312) 857-8333

We have an amazing opportunity for your company to support our Illinois veterans and their families with a flag sponsorship at Medinah Patriot Day on May 29, 2012.

This is the premier golf outing in the Chicago area, and one not to be missed. The Medinah Country Club is home to the 2012 Ryder Cup, and this event is bringing out the “Who’s Who” of Chicago.

All donations go to the Illinois Patriot Education Fund 501c(3) and 100% of the money will be helping Illinois veterans and their families through IPEF Illinois scholarship partners: Operation Homefront, Pat Tillman Foundation, Student Veterans of America, and the Fisher House.

What do hole sponsors receive for their kindness?

• A flag pin with your company logo flying from the course all day
• We will professionally frame your flag after the event. This is a fantastic keepsake to hang with pride in your office.
• You will receive 2 tickets to the VIP cocktail reception where you can person thank a veteran while rubbing elbows with celebrities, industry leaders, and the media

Your $1,000 donation is very appreciated. You will be helping veterans and their families get the education they need, mingle with some amazing people, and have a lot of fun too!

If you would like to sponsor a flag to support our Illinois military veterans and families at Medinah Patriot Day please contact our Golf Tournament Coordinator Brian Tomkins at (708) 250-0153 today!

Thank you again, and have a wonderful day everyone!

I was very honored to interview Mr. Glossy. Let me give you a little background on the man and you will understand why.

• He is a very successful CEO – At his former post as President and CEO of Delta Dental Arizona, he nearly tripled the companies premium revenues from $60 million to almost $160 million over his 8 year tenure.

• He is a Vietnam Veteran – Mr. Glossy served 4 years in the Air Force, and spent 3 of those years with the Red Horse Unit.

• He supports veterans and their families – Mr Glossy and Delta Dental of Illinois are sponsors of Medinah Patriot Day, and he is very passionate about giving back to the veterans and the state of Illinois.

So without further ado, let’s get to the interview!

 Tell me a little bit about Delta Dental?

Delta Dental is a non-profit corporation. We have been in business 45 years and insure 2,000,000 smiles in the state of Illinois. We also have a non-profit foundation that supports improving the oral heath of children and other disadvantaged people in the state.

 Why did Delta Dental get involved with Medinah Patriot Day?

We believe Medinah Patriot Day is a great way to give back to the veterans and the state of IL. We recognize the sacrifice that military members and their families makes on a daily basis, and we want them to know we are here to support them.

You served in Vietnam with the Air Force, the Red Horse Unit, how did that experience prepare you for the challenges of corporate life?

Yes, from the battlefield to the boardroom. The military experience gave me a real advantage when dealing with business situations that had a lot of variables. It gave me a focus to achieve more and find ways to succeed regardless of challenges. The boardroom might not be physical life or death, but how you handle adversity is a big part of making or breaking your career. I did not really grasp how much I was learning at the time. It wasn’t until I left the military and started to apply all of the lessons taught to me that I really understood and appreciated the experience.

As a very successful CEO, what advice can you give a young person coming out of the military and entering the workforce in a tough economy?

Appreciate the skills you are developing, they will help you over the long haul. In the military you become a team player; don’t ever lose that. It is just as important out here too. Leverage your maturity and commitment.You might not think some of the things you are learning in the service are applicable to the corporate world, but I am here to tell you they are. Be patient and understand that it may not help you this moment, but it will benefit you down the road.

What do you like to do when your not working?

Golfing is a passion, and I love to travel. Just put me on a beach and I’m happy. I love Hawaii, and if you ask me what my favorite beach is in Hawaii I will probably say all of them.

Chicago is famous for pizza, in your opinion, who has the best pie?

I don’t want to offend any of my Chicago friends, but I have to be honest here. I am originally from New York, and that is where my loyalty in pizza stands. Nobody tops New York pizza!

If you could have dinner with a famous or historical person, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

So many, but I would go with Pope John Paul II. He exhibited so many different skills in trying to achieve his goals, and always carried himself well no matter how difficult the circumstances. There is so much to be learned from that. I would also like to have Winston Churchill at the table. Here is a person who was ostracized from politics, yet became Prime Minister and a great leader during World War II. I want to know if the situation made the man, or if the man came to be because of the situation.

In closing, what would you like to say to our active duty heroes, fellow veterans, and their families?

Thank you, and please know that we appreciate all you have done. It is very important to me that you find the support you need with people you can trust. I know it’s not always easy, but know that organizations like the Illinois Patriot Education Fund and Medinah Patriot Day are here to help you. Thank you all so much for your service, and thank you to the families for the sacrifices you make.

We would like to thank Delta Dental of Illinois and Bernard Glossy for being a sponsor and supporting Medinah Patriot Day and Illinois Patriot Education Fund. It means a lot to us.

I would also like to personally thank Mr. Glossy for taking the time to do this interview, and for his service during Vietnam. It was an honor for me Bernie, thank you.

Harrison Painter
PR/VIP Committee

For more information on Delta Dental of Illinois, please visit the Delta Dental website.

USPG Enterprises is an Illinois based company owned by Tim and Leanne Logisz. A husband and wife team that pursued their passion to overcome massive challenges and create something so special it would change their lives forever.

What is the product? It is USPG’s “Black Ops” shaft. This shaft helps to improve your golf game by reducing ball spin with a very tight dispersion rate on either side. It meets all PGA Pro standards, but is still affordable for the average golfer.

Who is Tim Logisz?

Timothy “Tim” Logisz (pronounced like polish /logisz) President and Founder of USPG Enterprises is a native of Chicago. He has overcome many years of physical and mental adversity to bring the golfing world a pure and game changing product by 100% perseverance.Tim’s character and instincts to overcome were honed at a early age. His father passed away in his early forties. With eight children to raise ,Tim’s stay at home mother entered the workforce with a high school degree and built a career that earned her the position on of Vice President of Operations at Des Plaines Bank.

A natural athlete,Tim was introduced to the game of golf by his uncle at the age of eight. At that time Tim had a passion for basketball that occupied most of his free time. His basketball skills were noticed at a young age playing and being the top player in the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) which still exists today.

During his high school years Tim was noticed and nominated to the all -state team, the Athletes for better education team and also to the McDonald’s All-American team. He played with greats like Craig Hodges (NBA Champion Chicago Bulls), Mark Aquirre (multiple NBA All-Star nominee), and played against the great Larry Bird in the Windy City Tournament here in Chicago.

Tim attended the University of Illinois at Chicago on a full basketball scholarship. His career was off and running until a severe ankle injury side lined him. Tim sat out the remainder of the year and went back to Harper Junior College which he again earned recognition and holds many records. His talent again landed him a scholarship to Lewis University where again his career was put on hold because of a ruptured disc.

Tim did not play for a year, but decided he would give it one more try now that he was out of school. Playing in the professional summer leagues Tim was noticed by the NBA team Los Angeles Clippers and was given a chance to make the roster. He only achieved the status of a practice player and and this is where is career ended.

Even though his career was short; he was blessed to have played with Larry Bird, Isiah Thomas, and many more greats. (….Continue Reading)

Wendy moved to Chicago for love! In the fall of 2010, Wendy closed a real estate development company and mortgage brokerage business in Arizona to move to Chicago. Wendy’s an old school retired golf professional from the 90’s and new to the Chicago area! Currently, an On-Air personality for Golf Chicago TV. In Arizona, Wendy served as a board member for the Valley of the Sun, YMCA. Her board expertise is strategic planning, compliance, finance, marketing, and public policy. Wendy states she is looking forward to a life in Chicago, attending the Ryder Cup, and doing interviews at the Medinah Patriot Day. 

I had the chance to interview her this week and it was a blast.

Ready. Set. GO!

Tell me a little bit about yourself. What makes you, you?

I am a cancer survivor with an attitude. But, I just don’t take myself too seriously –  A second bite at the apple changes the channel. I am committed to making people LOL every day, literally!

What is the best piece of advice you can give an aspiring young golfer looking to go pro?

When you think you have practiced enough, practice some more.

Have you ever taken a mulligan?

No, but if you ask my boyfriend, he calls me his mulligan!

Why is the Medinah Patriot Day so special for you?

I’m hoping my son will finish school when he finishes serving in the 82^nd Airborne (Army). I’m hopeful as I help others, someone will in turn help him one day if he needs it. Honoring our soldiers to enhance their futures isn’t noble, it’s necessary.

How can people wanting to support veterans get involved with the Illinois Patriot Education Fund?

Call, email, or tweet us! We are a fun group doing great things with plenty of room for you!

What do you love most about Chicago?

Are you kidding me..? EVERYTHING!

What is your guilty pleasure?

Doing all the “ING’S” with my boyfriend.

In closing, what would you like to say to all of the active duty military, the veterans, and their families?

Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and my freedoms you protect. I do what I do, because of you. And, don’t be embarrassed to ask for help, you earned that right when you signed up to fight!

I can not thank Wendy enough, and a huge thank you to your son Nicholas for his service!

My favorite quote from this interview is; “Honoring our soldiers to enhance their futures isn’t noble, it’s necessary.” and I hope everyone really takes that to heart.

These men, women, and their families are heroes, and we need to make sure they are taken care of upon their return.

If you would like to get involved with the Medinah Patriot Day to support our veterans and their families, please contact Wendy today!

Phone: 602.617.4100
Email: Wendy@pellegrino.me
Twitter: @OneGolfinMama

Thank you again, and have a wonderful day everybody!

Harrison Painter
PR/VIP Committee
Medinah Patriot Day

_______________________________________________________________

We will be covering the event, and all of the amazing people that are a part of it.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to sharing and connecting with all of you!

Brian Tomkins
Medinah Golf Tournament Coordinator
798.250.0153