A Laotian-born Navy veteran from Elgin is Illinois' veteran of the month for June 2014.
The state's Department of Veterans Affairs announced it held a ceremony for Chindavanh Keomuongchanh at the city's Veterans Memorial Park.
Department Director Erica Borggren said Keomuongchanh is a "wonderful example of what veterans bring back to communities in terms of a lifelong commitment to serving others."
Keomuongchanh and his family fled Laos to avoid persecution by the Communist government in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. He and his family arrived in Illinois, where he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for a career spanning three decades, earning a number of awards and decorations.
He has continued to serve in a variety community organizations since his honorable discharge from the Navy.
- Illinois.gov: Veteran of the Month
