The Ann Crooker St. Clair Chapter recently honored a local veteran with a Quilt of Valor.
Bobbie Reck, chapter Service to Veterans chair and QOV guild member, and the veteran’s daughter, Michelle Smith, “wrapped” Bill Lilly in a quilt expressing gratitude for his sacrifices and service. Bill was presented a certificate of appreciation for his service to our country from chapter Regent Susan Oliver.
William “Bill” Lilly enlisted in the US Army in January 1964. After Basic Training, Bill was selected for training in the elite Army Security Agency (ASA), which represented the top 8% of the Army. He was trained as a Morse Code Intercept Specialist to locate and monitor enemy communications in areas throughout the world. He was promoted and served as an instructor in various capacities throughout his Army career and received various medals and commendations. He also qualified as Expert Marksman with many types of weapons.
After his discharge in mid-1970s, he attended college on the GI bill and started a career in the insurance industry, which spanned 35 years. He retired in 2006, living in both Florida and Illinois.