CELEBRATE – Veterans & 2014 HOF
and induct seven new members into the Hall of Fame. The event will be at the White Eagle
Event and Convention Center in Niles, Illinois. Be sure to save the date. Look for event
details on NBGC’s website, social media posts, emails and other sources.
This blog entry highlights the 2014 class of Hall of Fame inductees (below is a link to the
program for that occasion). We also take time to honor the veterans of the NBGC. Enjoy the memories…
more importantly, make plans with your family and friends to join teammates for a wonderful night
to celebrate the NBGC!
Celebration are on sale now and can be purchased online
at: NBGCTURNS90.givesmart.com
Connections- around the world.
For nine decades the NBC/NBGC has provided a solid footing and a stable community for its members, their families and our alumni. But never more so than during WWII.
Founder Robert Buehler’s brother was serving overseas and sending frequent letters home. Mr. Buehler got the idea of creating a newsletter to send to all the servicemen keeping them up to date on Club activities and in touch with their fellow soldiers. He spoke with Executive Director Dick Valentine and colleague Jim Desherow, and they started the Service Papers- which were sent to our NBC troops all over the globe. (A link to a Service Paper can be found in our “Making History” blog post.)
The following link has excerpts from letters sent home by our members:
The NBC’s impact on our members (click)
While stationed in northern Africa two NBCers run into each other:
Halfway around the world (click)
The Service Papers were so important to the soldiers, Hall of Fame Member and veteran Ray Donner collected them and published some of them in a book:
“Better Men: The Story of Neighborhood Boys Club Alumni in WWII” (click)
Connections- here at home
The Club kept current members in touch with their teammates serving overseas with weekly updates in the Monkeyshines:
“You And Me” Jan. 29, 1945 (click)
“You and Me” March 15, 1945 (click)
An annual football tournament was organized on Veteran’s Day to remember the”19″- NBC members who died in action during WWII. By 1970 that number had grown to the “24”:
Connections- each and every one
And, of course, the Club connected in a very personal way with its members and their families. Follow the story of Martin Joyce, his impact on the Club and the Club’s impact on him:
Letter from the NBC to the Martin family (click)
Finally, we would like to honor our Hall of Fame members who have fulfilled their ultimate duty and served in the military.
We’ve done a lot of research- but it if we’ve missed any Hall of Fame members who were veterans- please forgive us– and contact us so we can add their name.
Bob Cole Tony Coppola Ray Donner
Dick Geshrey Paul Goerner,Sr. Arp Horvath
Ed Kelly Pete Krier Bert Lawrenz
John Lunkes Jerry Ottesen Frank Peters
Jack Pittges Herb Preiner Dick Schroeder
Herb Veith Johnie Weigelt Don Wilhelm
Midget team organizer (click)
Letter from boot camp (click)
Leatherneck wedding party (click)
Greats of the gridiron (click)
On to ping pong City finals (click)
Alumni memories (click)
Jim and Mike high point trophies (click)
Blue Ox (click)
The Egg and I (click)
New toboggans (click)
Speedy recovery (click)
Dad’s Club honoree (click)
Mike Barrett Memorial (click)
Aces founder (click)
Wrestling sweat suits (click)
Goalie powers (click)
Ducky Booth (click)
Pirates champs 3 years running (click)
St. Andrews (click)
Sponsors Track Meet (click)