Constituents in southern Illinois Congressman John Shimkus' district are making valentine's day much sweeter for our service men and women.
For the fifth year in a row Shimkus asked his constituents to send valentines to the country’s troops and veterans. The Collinsville Republican says there has always been an overwhelming response and Shimkus says he is humbled by the reaction to his Valentines for Heroes project. Shimkus estimates more than 6,000 valentines were collected by school children, church groups, and families.
Local veterans receiving valentines include those of the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna, the Marion VA Medical Center, the Mt. Vernon VA Clinic and the Effingham VA Clinic.
