The Desk

DISCLOSURE: Although there's not 100-percent proof that the following story regarding John Dillinger is true, I believe after several interviews and digging through archives from 1926 through 1934,  the story is 99.9-percent true. It would have been preferable to have had more time to verify EVERYTHING, but I didn't. Sometimes stories fall out of the blue on you, and a judgment ultimately has to be made. This was an anniversary, so the story must either be on today or maybe not until a centennial.  With the limited time to fact-check everything Tony said, I think posting a story post-anniversary would be like publishing a story back on July 26, 1969: "Man walked on the moon less than a week ago". For those who forgot that historic anniversary  two days ago, July 20 was the 40th anniversary of the date man first walked on the moon. Remember words like, "leap", and, "mankind"?

The witness-account-story by the 87-year old  Elmhurst resident was brought to our attention by his family. The man's name is Tony Alevizos.  His family who also live in Elmhurst (great town)  did its own marketing. Tony's daugher-in-law, Joanne, wrote that Tony tried contacting the media outlets, but his story fell on deaf ears.

Many of the details in his account have been verified while others haven't--not yet, anyway.  Questions like: was Tony really a 12-year old usher at the Biograph Theater on north Lincoln Avenue the night Dillinger federal agents gunned him down? Until I can get my hands on all the records, where ever they might reside, I'm taking Tony at his word. Why would an 87-year old man whose logged 36,000 miles on his stationary bike make that up?  A man who drove a tank in Europe against Adolph Hitler in World War II, and paid dearly for it.

 If you were at the Biograph Theater July 22, 1934, and saw or didn't see Tony, please contact us. In the meantime, please read Tony's account and decide for yourself:

Today marks the 75th anniversary of a Chicago moment frozen in time, when federal agents took famous bank robber/celebrity John Dillinger's life. Tony Alevizos may be the only living witness to the events of that fateful evening. Tony is 87, but 75 years ago he was a 12-year old usher at the Biograph Theater on north Lincoln Avenue. It was the night when federal agents were tipped that the famous criminal had snuck into town, and would be at the Biograph Theater. Tony perhaps had the best seat in the house, figuratively speaking. He witnessed John Dillinger coming out of the theater that night, and the events that followed. Tony was right across the street the night of July 22, 1934.

Tony says he doesn't remember many details, reminding me of his age, and how young he was then. "Maybe it was that disturbing," he says of witnessing the shooting. He doesn't remember what movie was playing at the time (it was Manhattan Memorial, starring Clark Gable) or how much he was paid as an usher, or  how much a ticket cost. More importantly, however, Tony does remember the night Dillinger was killed.

So how did Tony get to be in the right place at the right time? And how did a 12-year old become a movie usher?

"My parents used to own the Embassy Confectionery at Fullerton and Crawford Avenues," he said. Crawford is now Pulaski Avenue. Tony continues, "and there was a guy named Shapiro who ran a theater nearby and the Biograph. He used to come into the restaurant. We'd sell sandwiches and ice cream. Well, he asked me if I wanted to be an usher and since it would be easier to get to the Biograph from where I lived, that's where I worked."

Tony lived in what's now known as Wrigleyville where he attended Lemoyne Elementary School close to Addison and Halsted Streets. The school is still there. He told me he would take the Halsted Street bus to Fullerton, and the Biograph was just around the corner.

"As an usher, I would seat people and sometimes they'd like to sit in the corner or in the back, and I would help them find a seat. Anywhere they wanted. Then after the movie ended, I would clean the floors because, you know, people drop things."

On this very night 75 years ago, Tony went to work as usual. He wore his usher uniform on   the Halsted Street bus the mile or so to get there. He remembers seeing Dillinger inside the Biograph. "He was well-dressed." adding Dillinger  was the first celebrity he ever saw. Shortly after seating the customers is when Tony noticed police officers walking the aisles. He says he wasn't sure why until an officer walked  him and another usher out of the theater across the street. 

"I knew something was going on, but I didn't know what. Then some police officers took me and Wolf (the head usher) across the street to a building. They told us they didn't want us to get shot. That's when I knew something was going to happen, but I didn't know what." 

It didn't take long for Tony to find out, he says. As he stared out the window directly at the Biograph's entrance, Tony says he watched and watched. Then he saw him. It was John Dillinger leaving. "It was real quiet. The block was empty and dark," says Tony.

"There was a man lighting up a cigar when he (Dillinger) was leaving. Dillinger came out with two women and started walking south toward the Halsted corner. He got to the alley about a quarter block down to a streetlight. I think it's still there  in fact. But Dillinger was walking fast and ahead of the women. He started running and when he reached the alley, that's when I heard the shots, and saw him drop."

"All I remember was him laying there, right by the lamp post," Tony says.

Tony said afterward he remembers going back to the theater to finish cleaning up the floors and seats. He doesn't remember discussing what happened to anyone inside. After work he took the bus home. When he told his family what had happened, "they were surprised, but happy nothing happened to me," Tony recalls. "But I've really never discussed it with anyone, because that's just how things were then. Today, it would be a different story," he says.

In fact, Tony has shared the story with his family for many years, according to his son, Al. He says although there is no outright proof about his father's story, the way he tells it and what he remembers are pretty vivid. " He's not one to make things up," Al says.

"I'm 87-years old, so I may have told them before, but I'm pretty sure it was recently because of the movie. I do plan on seeing it," he promised. "But I have been back to look at the Biograph and that streetlight. They bring back memories.

Like the night 75 years ago today. Tony Alevizos  remembers. Because he was there the night John Dillinger was killed.

By Pat Curry
 

 Being in the mass communication business and working for WGN-TV and the Tribune, we get lots of tips. They come in many ways beyond the phone call. The bulk of them get looked at, some checked out, and most don't end up on the news or in the paper. Many do. besides calling the WGN-TV assignment desk, or the Tribune City Desk, here are the two links for the station and Tribune respectively: wgntvinfo.com or go to Chicagotribune.com and I believe there's a link on the page to go to the tip form.

I present to you just a few of the tips that we get. There are literally hundreds a day, but we do go through them. Some are sad circumstances people find themselves in. Others are looking for publicity, be it for an author, an organization, etc. Some are crazy. They come from all over the world, as you'll see, and many are entertaining. I thought I'd present a few of them so you get an idea what we sift through. Keep in mind many are legit, they just don't always get coverage because of the sheer volume of news, requests, and space we have to present them.

Sometimes it's tedious going through each one, but in the end worth the effort. And then you get to, the one looking for love, sent to all members of our company, Just when you thought it was intended for you!  Don't forget there are the scammers. A little smattering of samples we get. Here's the tip of the iceberg:

Hello good friend,
I am MR. B... Ch.. and I am very happy to inform you about my success in getting those fund transferred.Now I want you to contact my secretary Mr Morries Vincent. on his email address below and receive your compensation of $1.500.000.00USD dollars from him;
His name is Mr MorM.. V...
 
Kindly reconfirm to him the following information below;
Your full name________________________
Your address__________________________
Your country__________________________
Your age______________________________
Your occupation_______________________
Your Phone number____________________
Your Sex _____________________________
Note that if you did not send him the above information complete, he will
not release the cheque to you because he has to be sure that you are the real one in order

to avoid any illegal claim.
Ask him to send you your cheque.
Remain bless,
B,, C....


CHICAGOANS TO PROTEST IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF IRAN'S PRO-FREEDOM STUDENT UPRISING
 EVENT SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY JULY 9, 2009, 6-7PM
 IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO


tip: I have a story idea for you about how for some working poor, it literally doesn't pay to get married; it actually costs them precious money in the form of lost tax credits. Two prominent accounting professors (Saint Mary’s College and the University of Notre Dame) researched the 2008 tax consequences of two individuals and their dependents and found it literally paid to stay single.

BIRTHDAY BASH: CHICAGO ESPN ZONE CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY, RELEASES LIST OF TOP CHICAGO SPORTS MOMENTS OF THE LAST 10 YEARS

Would you like to do a segment on new and unique web tools that make the internet easier to use and more useful to the regular, non-techie, person?  I can have someone come to the studio to do a neat segment on this topic with the latest and greatest, from a new no-programming-necessary-drag-and-drop website creation tool, to an online virtual-to-real scrapbook creation tool, to a new Artificial Intelligence search engine that puts Google to shame and several other cool new internet creations.  What are your thoughts?  Have a great day!

This is part of a longer tip, but later I will use the translator available on the internet. Hope there's no obcenities here:

你封俺的博客老子封你的命！哈哈，上海姓董的老子叫你封俺的博客！这是汉奸特务周恩来达赖李鹏李洪志李长春李光耀李嘉诚李登辉李明博李氏全球邪恶集团的重大损失！

This one is from India, we get a lot from there:

Also all the best girls in Delhi come attached with the most wrong guys.  So you have to keep paying off all kinds of middlemen and street smart criminals to get to girls.  And the girls encourage this criminal behaviour, creating a culture of criminality which permeates Delhi and India.  

C'est un situation tres dangereux avec des personnes tres dangereux, qui essaye de me tuer.

Sie werden diesen Brief ziemlich oft in den kommenden Jahren bekommen, weil ich versuchen will, so viele Menschen wie möglich jeden Tag daran zu erinnern, was es bedeuten kann, an einer deutschen Universität zu unterrichten.

I haven't put each one in full because it would take up 20 or 30 pages. But hopefully you get the idea. I love reading them though! Let me know if you'd like to see some posted time to time.

pcurry@tribune.com

    

There's a news cliche I've heard since I began in the news business. "If it leads it bleeds." Basically it could mean a couple things. One is that if a story just "broke", that is, if the story just happened, then that's one way of seeing it. The other is, you can't go wrong with crime stories.

Almost everyone connects to crime stories. Just scan all the crime dramas on television through the years, and you'll find a lot of top-ten rated shows. Of course, those are fictional, and the business we're in is not. It sometimes seems that way, but there are enough people inside and out, watching what we're putting out there.

Are people desensitized when it comes to watching crime stories on the news? I guess it depends what the crime is, where it happened, and to whom it was against. There a number of shootings which never get reported. Maybe they're gang-related, or the media just hasn't gotten word. That's why calling in or sending in tips always helps.

Our producers have faced the question about which story should lead the news, and when it comes to a night of crime--shootings, stabbings, etc., we kind of shake our heads and wonder how in the heck do we present the story. Do we just become your daily police blotter, or can we provide some context to help us all better understand what's behind it.

Everybody has an opinion. Some say not enough cops patrolling. Others say gangs are out of control. Viewers may think there are too many parents out there not parenting correctly. Still others might blame the educational system. Then there's gun control issues. Oh, and let's not forget the weather.

Unfortunately when we face what was a night of violence, or in today's case, a weekend of violence, it's difficult at 3 a.m. to put context on what clearly seems to be out of the ordinary. WGN-TV by 6 a.m. was reporting a total of 63 people shot, one stabbed, and from those grim numbers, ten homicides. It was a night of constant phone calling and keeping up with the developments. In the end, rightly or wrongly we felt those numbers spoke for themselves.

In a larger context, I would be remiss if I didn't reprint an excerpt from a Chicago Police Department press release on crime stats. Here it is:

"Chicago Police released preliminary crime statistics today for the month of June, announcing a 12.7 percent decrease in homicides and 10.4 percent drop in total crime Citywide compared to this time last year. The Department has shown a consistent decline in the number of reported index crimes throughout 2009 with the support of dedicated officers and several crime reduction strategies."

We'll have to see how July shakes out.

Now several accusations can be made by people thinking they have the answers. It's our job to seek those answers and opinions and present them so the person watching can make their own judgment. We need to talk to the police, the people directly affected, community activists--any person invested in throwing a wrench at crime.

Numbers thrown at you on the tv screen can seem startling, but what does it do beyond shocking people? Of course they should shock, but without a clear approach to figuring out just what those numbers mean, we might miss the bigger story. TV News alone can't provide an entire perspective. What we can do is search out those who have something to do with helping. That includes all of us. It doesn't have to be in your back yard to affect you.

Facts and figures are not flesh and blood. And there was too much of the latter this weekend.

I apologize if you were looking for this entry from Wednesday. I was trying to resize a photograph and one thing led to another, and well, it disappeared.

The blog was to give a fuller portrait of Staff Sgt. Lydia Chen of the Illinois National Guard now serving in Afghanistan. I will reprint the letter from her childhood friend, An Gao:

Lydia and I came to America from China around the same time. Both of us did not know a word of English and we quickly became friends after seeing each other at elementary school. I remember we would always walk home together (since we lived within 2 blocks of each other) and talk about what happened during the day. Her house is closer than mine, so when we reach her house, we would always sit in front of her doorstep and continue to talk for a while before I head home. We would talk about all sorts of things from things we did back in China to when we would roller-blade, play Chinese checkers, and go to the playground. She's more quiet, but is always determined and optimistic: she always says we will master English soon and get good grades. We both had the goal of becoming a doctor and continue to work towards that goal today.
 
In a way, she serves as a reminder of things that I need to do when I get off track, at the same time, she offers shoulders and ears to me when I need it. She is really dependable like that. She is also pretty honest and straightforward with you: when she didn't like something about me (hair, clothes, etc) she'd tell me, and that's what I really appreciate in a friendship. After finishing elementary school, I moved to another city. But we continued to keep in touch throughout the next 15 years by visiting each other during weekends (doing the usual girly things such as shopping, sleep over, making cookies, watching movies, reading magazines etc). Once we are in college, we continue to call each other on the phone and meet up during breaks: I would visit her in Chicago during the summer and she would come over to Jersey for Christmas. Now that she's far away, we email a couple of times per month to catch up. I definitely know that we will stay friends forever.
 
When I found out she was going to Afghanistan, I was truly excited for her. I know it's going to be long and hard, but I am sure she will overcome what is in her way and come back a totally new person. And she knows that as well. She's not afraid of new things and always welcomed any life changing opportunity with open arms. I normally don't know much about what's going on in that area, so it's only after finding out she's going that I paid attention to these matters. I now know that a country's safety is a lot more than policies we vote for, it's more about the people servicing us and carrying out the rules we believe in.
 
One's personality usually stays throughout life, what I saw in her when we were young was her determined, hard working ethic, which I believe is what carried her to where she is now. I really respect her for she's doing now and it also made me think a lot more about others serving the country. I am so glad to have a friend like her and will always be proud of her.

Let's continue honoring the Illinois National Guard this week for the very important work they're doing in Afghanistan. I hear from a lot of viewers who are looking for good news. Hopefully this story fits the criteria.

Before I proceed, a program note: Tom Negovan who recently returned from Afghanistan covering the Guard's work there, has put together a half-hour special airing on WGN-TV Thursday at 9:30 p.m. Tom spent time with them going on some of the dangerous missions we hear less and less about on the front pages.

 The story I'm getting is that these fine soldiers who serve in a time of need; who occupy familiar jobs back home;  are trying to help the Afghan people regain the dignity which is theirs and to become capable of handling their own affairs. No one from the 33rd Combat Brigade I've corresponded with has ever stated anything that strays from that point. They want to come home, but they're willing to stay until their mission is accomplished. Time to introduce someone special.

Staff Sgt. Lydia Chen is one of the 3000 Illinois Guardsman who's been in Afghanistan since last year, specifically at Camp Phoenix, just outside Kabul. It's home-base for about 750 troops, and like any other American base, needs protection. Lydia lived in Aurora and now at Camp Phoenix.  She's responsible for keeping the base and its residents safe, and making sure others are doing their job to secure the base. Lydia's story resonated with me because she represents how good we can be. She's young, smart, ambitious, and as you're about to find out, very patriotic.

On Memorial Day, Lydia was supposed to be on WGN's Morning News via satellite in Afghanistan, but something a little more important came up. She was busy getting sworn in along with about a hundred other troops to become an American citizen. Lydia's family moved to American when she was 11-years old and up until now, she was a permanent resident.This is to say, Lydia became a U.S. citizen while fighting and defending freedoms we enjoy and Afghans desperately deserve. I have to admit ignorance on something. I didn't know just by loving this country and holding a green card allows one to serve in the military. But that's me. Learn something new everyday. No doubt an amazing reflection of Lydia's character.

Lydia went through the process like any other foreign-born person would. She had to study, take the test, and pass. All while watching her back and the backs of her comrades. By the way, Lydia's mother Helen recently achieved American citizenship status.  Congratulations to both of you!
 
Lydia's mother Helen works for UPS and her father is a cook. Back in China Helen was a university professor teaching vocals with a specialty in European opera. Lydia says she's a soprano. She also has a Masters degree in computer science. Lydia's father worked for the corrections department. The family moved to Aurora in the late 80's with Lydia being the only child.

Lydia had the typical experience of an American teenager, attending Waubonsie Valley HS. She joined the Illinois National Guard as a high school junior. After graduation, Lydia went on to the University of Illinois at Chicago, dorming there and studying biochemistry until she received her deployment orders. Those came after her junior year. Lydia says she "had a blast" in school with her friends. Little did she know at the time that bigger things awaited her. Like Afghanistan.
 
 
It would be obvious to state the danger of anyone living, working, or fighting in Afghanistan. Since 9/11, Afghanistan has been in the news almost daily. First Osama bin Laden, and then add Taliban fighters, and it begins sinking in what a dangerous place the place is. Statistics tell the story. Fourteen Guard units have lost their lives and dozens other wounded since the Illinois Guard's deployment there.  The fighting appears to be intensifying with a growing number of American casualties. However, it doesn't seem to deter Lydia. She's already re-enlisted for another three years following her return.

Part of her duties is to make sure others defending the base are doing their jobs. That means all the guards on towers and walking the perimeter are up to the task. There must be a lot of pep talks going on. Lydia dryly sums up most days:

"A typical day for me is waking up around 6p (1800 hours military time), going to work at 7:30p for the next twelve hours.  (When I get off work), It's laundry, shower, eat, sleep. Then start another day."

It sounds routine except that she's in Afghanistan where if anyone reads or sees the news, can see this isn't like working at Disneyland. What makes it tolerable?

Lydia answers how rewarding it is to be working among her comrades. "Each of them is unique and we're able to help each other out and become stronger as a group." If only we all could think that way.

Lydia talks about the enemy:

 "The enemy is a terrorist group who set out to inflict pain and suffering to civilians, non-combatant, and/or Coalition Forces through violence in order to achieve political goals. We are trained to identify them. We keep our eyes open and focused at all times to watch each other's back."

Lydia talked about the Afghan people:

"The Afghan people are humble people who work long days. The ones I've met are farmers and factory workers from what I can tell. They are also religious. They pray several times a day," she says. A loud speaker in the village is employed in providing the prayer music and sermons.

"They enjoy listening to their radio, some have TVs, and they like to party! I often see festivities and gatherings  for weddings and other events," she said.  

That could be you or me talking about our neighbors.

It sounds like the Guard's presence also has some residual effects on the children. "Some of the kids here speak very good English by talking to the soldiers. I have not personally talked to the women here, but I believe it is possible," Lydia says.

How easy is it to communicate with family and friends back home for Lydia?

"Soldiers at the base can email and SKYPE because we are blessed to be in one of the few bases that have good amenities like stable internet," she says. But for Lydia, sleep comes crashing like a wave when she finishes her 12-hour all-night shift.

She misses being at school, eating the variety of foods we back in Chicago can find easily. "Although the food is good at the chow hall, it is the consensual complaint is the good food is almost the same food everyday," she says. She also misses swimming. What, no pools in Kabul?

Lydia puts it in a perspective of someone who has gained years of wisdom.

 "I think it's always helpful for a young person to go outside of his/her home to see and experience what it is like on the other side of the world. Such experiences contribute to a person's growth and maturity by getting a world view. I grew up in China, moved to America at 11, and at 23, am in Afghanistan.

We need to listen to Lydia. She's in a world hot spot, yet she seems focused and mature with a healthy perspecitve. Capable of enjoying a good time, and still seeing the big picture. Her words say it all. I asked her about being in the Guard. 

 "I'm proud to be a member. Although we are not full-time active duty soldiers, we are capable of coming together to go to war in time of need. We are willing to leave our school, job, and loved ones behind to fulfill a greater cause. And I believe that is something we should be proud of."

I learned a lot from Lydia's humility about her situation. I wanted to know if she had a message for other young woman and all of us, something to take away from her experience.

"I think it's important," she says, "for someone young to acquire the confidence that when she sets out to achieve a goal , she will make it happen. More importantly, it is the sense of accomplishment that will drive her to continue to set bigger and greater goals later in life. Start with something small and short-term, and move on to tackle more difficult and long-term goals. My six year contract with the Illinois Army National Guard ends soon, but I've recently reenlisted for another three years. My goal is to make the most out of that."

Dr. Phil couldn't have said it better.

    I'm devoting the space here to honor the members of the Illinois National Guard. With the July 4th holiday just around the corner, it's a good time to honor the fallen heroes, the wounded, and the members still over there. With about 3000 Guardsmen representing the country and state, they are spread throughout Afghanistan sacrificing their lives so we don't have to. Fourteen have been killed, about 50 wounded. They've been in Afghanistan since December, having been deployed last September . Hopefully they'll be home this Autumn. It's not insignificant to mention this is the Illinois Guard's largest deployment since World War II.

Many joined the Guard for a six-year stint. Before they were called to active duty, many began as reservists. Their occupations ranged from working as police, nurses, pilots, and even students. Lydia Chen who we'll talk about later was in her third year at UIC when she was deployed to active duty. Some signed up for patriotic reasons, others to learn new skills. Whatever the individual motives, they now occupy one of the world's hottest hotspots, and with it comes a newfound appreciation for the freedoms we here may sometimes take for granted.

There are several missions, as outlined by WGN-TV reporter Tom Negovan, (click here) who spent several weeks with the 33rd Combat Brigade in Camp Phoenix, outside the country's capital, Kabul. One of the Guard's purposes is training ordinary Afghans to become competent police officers. Many of these citizens are illiterate, so it's quite a task. Other missions involve delivering humanitarian aid, such as making sure medical supplies get to hospitals, or bringing books to schools so the students can get the education every child deserves.

And yes, there's combat. One doesn't go into a war zone without properly knowing how to survive, and that means not being afraid to defend their lives and their comrades. For the Guard, it's been a mixture of what I've mentioned and more. From emailing and talking to soldiers there, my understanding of the mission is to equip Afghans with the tools they need to control the fate of their country. After decades of war, the mission could take a long, long time.

Recent reports indicate the violence in Afghanistan is escalating. A fact not lost on the Illinois National Guard. Two members were recently killed there, and the latest two casualties are back, pending funeral service. Even so, talking to Sgt. Jamie Stroh who recently returned here for two weeks, the morale of the troops is astounding. I've had the privilege of knowing him, first through emails, telephone calls, and now enjoying a short furlough, to meet him in person. He represents those who haven't talked to the media. He has a hundred stories, some he can talk about, others untold because of security risks.

No matter what one's view of our involvement in Afghanistan is, the effort displayed by all the troops serving our country is inspiring. I'm sorry I haven't been able to obtain the pictures of Staff Sgt. Joshua Melton, 26, of Germantown and Sgt. Paul Smith 43, of East Peoria. They died when their vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device in Kandahar. I'll be highlighting in the next couple days the story of Staff Sgt. Lydia Chen. She's with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, a contingent of the Illinois National Guard. Her story is unique in that she gained her United State's citizenship while guarding the base 750 troops call home.

Pat Curry

 

By Pat Curry

Mike, the oldest of my  two brothers, passed away one week ago Sunday sometime during the night. Those of you who know such passings may understand. Those who don't I encourage you to read anyway. There may be something for all of us.

Along with my other brother, Russ, I grew up with  awe and admiration for both of them.  No one is closer to those guys than to me, and I hope everyone can feel the same way about our siblings. or at least find some truths about one another that are positive.   My brothers and I didn't have love sit-ins;  we did our share of fighting and arguing, but in the end we were brothers and supported one another, minus the usual brother teasing.

So it's no surprise I think of Mike, and a zillion guys like him. They're the  ones  out  there  busting  their butts along with their loved ones getting things done--- to build not a shelter but a home and provide the best they can for their children.  It's not just about putting food on the table,although unfortunately many are preoccupied because of situations out of their control. We all want to pass our history along. To me, Mike was a real  patriot . He didn't  demonstrate in public or defect to Canada when his draft card was close to being picked, but he had an innate sense of what was going on out there. You could say he read and heard many views about events, and somehow fit them into a world view he could understand and express.  Between commuting, working, and commuting, as Mike did, how many of us have time to dissect the stream of information rushing at us?

My brother is important  to this story because  he  could be your  brother.  The  one  whose  job  it is to keep  you in line, honest,  and transparent. Believe me, for all the times we had our disagreements we made up just as quick, and no one had to lose face.  He's also the brother who kept an eye on me and on the news media.  He didn't let me forget what my duty was, and I couldn't always disagree with his opinions.

When I saw Mike, it didn't take long for a conversation about global warming, immigration, crime, and government to come up. Mike did a lot of reading and came prepared. So what if I work at the news station, does it mean I know more than anyone else ?  Journalism in many ways reports facts; truth is something the viewer must decide for themselves. Mike did that, and with all the sides presented, and complexities described, was able to know where he stood.  Amen!

Mike had an innate sense of right and wrong that runs strong in my family. Perhaps that's why I see a lot of things in black and white in many situations.  Crime, abuse, corruption, bigotry, etc, are all things I tend to have biases against, but gray has to be a factor in stories, and in life. Nothing is as simple as it seems. It's part of growing up.

I dedicate this to Mike, because he wasn't afraid of free speech, whether he said, "Blagoevich", or, "Bag--a-chips". Okay, never heard him say that, but close enough. The point is he wanted to know what was happening here, there, and everywhere.  And like him, making our job tougher is your job, just like Mike made mine. But what is tough when truth is at stake?

Yes, I dedicate this space to Mike, his wife, Cindy, daughter Stefanie, and son, Michael--who all continue to astound me with their humanity....and for delivering real news I can use.    

 

 

 

     

Pat Curry

Not everything on live television goes as planned. Truthfully, that's practically every day. Today was no exception. We did a segment this morning bringing together family members with their soldier-children via satellite from Camp Phoenix, just outside Kabul, Afghanistan. Everything was coordinated--the satellite window, the families getting to the station early morning, the soldiers ready in front of a camera using an armored tank as their background. Everything looked rosy on this Memorial Day.

And just one of those unplanned glitches happened during the segment. We could hear them, but they could not hear us. A call to the satellite center confirmed the soldiers would not hear us. The anchors did the best they could to present what was to be an on-air reunion. Primarily four mothers and their four sons would appear ten-thousand miles apart with the ability to see and talk to each other. The segment might have looked awkward, strained if you were watching. There was a lot of, "can you hear me?" until finally the segment ended as quickly as it began. The awful phrase in our business, "technical difficulties" was announced. Ouch. Yet, the best part was not even on TV.

Not surrendering to the expensive technology of the station or satellites, or the military, a relative of one of the soldiers called  Spc. Ronald Pendleton from her cell phone. Pretty soon the cell phone in the studio was passed around, as was the one in Kabul. The soldiers scheduled for the segment got summoned from their barracks back to the camera, and we did it all over again, family style. Families got to talk to their loved ones, see them, laugh and cry with them.

Afterward, I  didn't care so much about the television part as I thought I would. Because what I saw in those other moments was equally if not more touching. Four mothers, four sons, separated by ocean and harsh terrain were no match for the will to reach out to each other. One by one, each took turns on both sides of the earth passing the phone from person to person, and the goal was achieved. Moms talked to their sons, beaming smiles from Kabul, misty eyes in the studio.  Words weren't necessary;  the families knew patience and resourcefulness would win out. If only the world could see the love displayed between these families, maybe we'd all declare peace.
 
For the hour the audience didn't get to see them, four mothers, their sons, and invited loved ones brought out hankies, rubbed their noses on their shirt sleeves and getting what they came for.  A series of private moments punctuated by laughter and tears followed. Toni, the mother of SSG Jeffrey Knodel, had a lot to say. She told us how she has baked 1200 cookies a month ever since her son had been in the service. That goes back to the time he was stationed at the North-South Korean border, in Iraq, and now here. A prouder mother I never have seen. And a brave one at that.

Spc. Ronald Pendleton talked to his daughter. The phone passed to Nancy Trieb.  Sgt. Kenneth W. Depenbrok, her son, now had her attention. I have four brothers and sisters and never felt the emotion I was witnessing in these moments. By the time the satellite ended, the room was no longer filled with strangers. People were talking, and hugging. The families were grateful for the opportunity to see their sons. They understood the difficulties of overseas communication, and didn't care if we watched their reactions on TV or not. They have their own mission, as do their sons and daughters.

My own thoughts were bogged down by the technical failure of the audio system. Of course I wanted it to work out the way we planned. But the plan didn't work, so we improvised, and it took a family member to remedy the situation, much like we'd expect our military  to improvise upon finding an at-first unremedial situation.

So the plan as we mapped it out didn't work so well for the television audience, but I think it did for the families, They got what they came for. That's what I felt watching and listening. I would like to name the soldiers and mothers who braved not just a war, but the private moments we saw of them talking to each other from a television studio. Family bonds were more important than feeling awkward with cameras aimed at them. So here we go: Spc. Ronald Pendleton and mother Jackie  Gibson Banks. Sgt. Kenneth Depenbrokand his mother Nancy Trieb. SSG Jeffrey Knodel and mother Toni. First Lt. Jeffrey Fleming and mother Cathy. And for all the family members who came with them.

I will write more about them during their mission. About a quarter will be home by November and a fundraiser is already being organized to welcome them home. A very dear man named John Mars is doing all he can to make sure a proper homecoming will happen. Alongside that, he's also trying to make it easier for returning veterans to find their way back to our American culture and back to a normal way of life. So much more to come. And thanks again to the families and soldiers from the Illinois National Guard who participated. We would gladly have had all of them on if possible. But a slice of bread is better than no slice at all, and today being Memorial Day was a perfect opportunity to show the faces and characters of them and those who stand behind them. I salute them all.

What a news week it's been. Developments in the Drew Peterson case have multiplied exponentially. Authorities say it could be two weeks before a body found in the Des Plaines River can be identified, but already there's speculation the body could be that of  Stacy Peterson or Lisa Stebic. Meanwhile  Peterson attorney Joel Brodsky has promised to fight for Drew in the Kathleen Savio murder case, i.e., keeping the original judge,getting Drew's bond lowered, and reminding us of Drew's innocence.  

There's obviously more going on in the world than this, but it is a big story and that's why it's been dominating the news. There's a long way to go in the case, and the families of Kathleen Savio and Stacy Peterson are the ones who really must be suffering, whether Drew turns out to be culpable in the murder in one case, and disappearance in the other.  I've talked to many families of missing children, spouses, and parents, and the worry they express is palpable. We need closure. I'd like to turn my attention to the concerns of some other families in light of Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is the time we commemorate those who sacrificed  their lives in times of war so that we here could live in peace. I know there are many families who'll be thinking of their loved ones on Monday, as they do every day. I'd like to bring attention to a group of brave men and women stationed just outside Kabul, Afghanistan who haven't gotten the attention Peterson has, but should. They are the members of the Illinois National Guard, and with more than 3000 members stationed there, it's the largest deployment of Illinois National Guard troops since World War II, according to Sgt. James Stroh, an Illinois Guardsman stationed at Camp Phoenix.
  
The men and women of Camp Phoenix are part of the 33rd Infantry Brigade. I confess a certain ignorance of numbers, and names of military units, but I do know that these brave people are putting their lives on the line for their country and for the Afghan citizens trying to find a sense of normalcy . Sgt. Stroh talks about two missions: Confronting the enemy and helping to deliver humanitarian aid. His upbeat attitude surprised me when we talked. He loves serving his country. He never said it was easy, but remains hopeful and is ful of purpose. As he told me, "things happen, good and bad." Stroh gave me the impression the troops really want peace and Afghans to become participants in their destiny. Osama bin Laden never came up.

Speaking of the good and bad, we saw a demonstration of both with WGN-TV reporter Tom Negovan telling us the story of how Taliban supporters burned books taken from a school Stroh's colleagues just helped deliver.  Even as they were leaving the books were already being assembled into a pile outside the school and torched. Tom recorded the event which shows just what our troops are up against.  Tom has a blog on his trip posted on our website, so read what he has to say and watch the video.

On Memorial Day we hope to have some of the members of the Guard on the morning show around 6:40am. We've invited the families of those who will appear from Camp Phoenix via satellite. I say "hope" meaning with satellites and war, anything is possible. Tom was going to be live for us earlier in the week, and he was transmitting through Skype. The communication line was running fine just up until the time he was to be live. Then it suddenly shut down. According to Tom, it could have been a sand storm somewhere, no one's sure. The point is, it's halfway around the world in a war-torn country. It's not as simple as calling across town. 

Even with all the hi-tech communications technology Afghanistan is a country still in tatters, prone to electricity blackouts, suicide missions, and general resistance. I hope we have the broadcast, but we have to remember it's a war they're fighting, communication signals get thrown off. Stroh says missions can be called in the middle of night, so everyday is uncertain as to what or where the troops end up doing. 

I have a number of mini-autobiographical forms sent to me soldiers must fill out if they're willing to talk or appear with the media. As I'm looking through these now, our Illinois Guard members mirror the people they serve, us. They come from all stripes, professions, ages--you name it.

There's Staff Sgt. Lydia Chen. She's a 23-year old student who hails from Aurora. Part of her mission is to protect and monitor the safety of the base. This brave young woman was deployed to Kabul last September, just days after becoming a United States citizen. I know from the brief conversations with her mother how proud, yet concerned the family is. SSG Chen is scheduled on our air Monday.

There's Lt. Jeffrey Fleming, a 26-year old police officer who calls McHenry County his hometown.  Chicagoan Joshua Almodovar is there. He was a Guard recruiter who decided to enlist because, well, in his own words: That after 4 ½ years of recruiting for the Illinois Army National Guard that I volunteered to come to Afghanistan, I felt that if I was enlisting fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters that I should also make the same sacrifices they are willing to make. Joshua mentors thousands of Afghan police officers and has reported coming under attack.

This Memorial Day let' us remember our fallen heroes, but the selfless men and women still out there fighting an enemy sometimes impossible to identify. Americans can debate the merits of war and what we're fighting for, but doubts or not, the members of the Illinois National Guard don't have time for intellectual pursuits. They serve in earnest. Many have been in Iraq, others helped New Orleans during the Hurricane Katrina devastation. They go where they have to, and they go in so many cases, because they hear the call, and want to serve.

So here's to them and their brave families, proud and concerned. That's the real news. Let's hope Monday we can bring them together. We thank them for agreeing to appear publicly to what will obviously be an emotional setting. Nothing is easy about families being separated, and this kind of separation has to be the most difficult. We salute each and every one of them.