The Illinois Air National Guard joined six guard units in receiving the 2020 Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, which serves as one of many means of validating the work and dedication of service members across the country.

Guard aviation units were first mobilized in the early 20th century, but it wasn’t until 1947 that the National Security Act created the United States Air National Guard to respond to domestic and foreign conflict and crises. Since its inception, Air National Guard units have been comprised of driven individuals who take great pride in improving the lives of their communities and country through humanitarian efforts, disaster response and international defense.

The Air Force Organizational Excellence Award recognizes the achievements and accomplishments of U.S. Air Force organizations and their activities. ILANG received this recognition because of the execution of its missions despite COVID-19 response operations, including civil disturbance missions, election support, flood operations and overseas missions. More than 700 members of the ILANG were mobilized in 2020 as part of the largest domestic operations activation in Illinois history. This is the third time ILANG has received the AFOEA, following awards in 1999 and 1986.

ILANG also engages in community service. Airmen volunteered with local organizations to expand health and wellness opportunities in addition to providing education services to communities statewide and donating goods to local libraries and homeless shelters. They also laid wreaths and flags at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield to honor the veterans buried there.

Information about the Illinois Air National Guard and its services can be located on its website.

Naperville, Illinois, ranks fifth on the list of the Most Festive Holiday Towns in the U.S. The list comes from SIXT, a rental car company which has locations globally and was recognized as the #3 Rental Car Company in the U.S. in the Condé Nast Travelers 2021 Readers’ Choice Award. SIXT’s third place ranking is the product of submitted responses from more than 800,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers rating their travel experiences across the world.

SIXT provides information regarding the best hotels, resorts and destinations that can be reached through their travel services. Among the list of experiences are recommendations for the best holiday towns in the country. Lights, festivals and other activities factor into the calculations that determine the charm of these holiday towns, and Naperville is now among the top competitors. Following towns in Missouri, New York and Texas, Illinois is recognized as a must-see destination for holiday cheer.

The snowfall in Naperville is authentic, whereas the snow in other ranked towns is manufactured. Its Christkindlmarket offers crafted decorations that mimic what one would expect to see in Santa’s workshop. The All-Seasons ice rink allows patrons to glide across the floor not only during the holidays, but also for figure skating, lessons and other parties and events. The suburban Chicago city’s attractions include parades, art shows and multicultural celebrations including observations of Diwali, Chinese New Year, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Ramadan.

A trip to Naperville is just as exciting outside the holidays. The bustling city frequently hosts a number of events, including fairs, live music festivals and community-wide activities. It is also home to the Riverwalk, which is considered the “crown jewel” of the town because of its beautiful view of the West Branch of the DuPage River. Additionally, Naperville is home to historical sites, museums and a plethora of local shops, thriving stores and restaurants.

Information about the teeming streets of Naperville can be found on the city’s website. Having been voted fifth most festive holiday town in the U.S., Naperville adds this recognition to its list of nationally competitive accomplishments, which can also be found here.

The American Kennel Club and the United States Police Canine Association have partnered to create the first ever AKC/USPAC K-9 Detection Dog Challenge, which will feature two Illinois K-9s. This national competition displays the intersection of the work of AKC, the world’s largest purebred dog registry, and the USPAC, the oldest and largest police canine organization in the nation.

The competition showcases the abilities and precision of the K-9s used for police activities, providing viewers with a glimpse of the training these dogs and handlers endure to ensure the protection of our country and its citizens. The event includes 10 narcotics dog teams and 10 explosive detection dog teams. Teams consist of a K-9 and its handler. The teams are scored on the accuracy of the search, the perfection of the alert, which entails telling the handler where the substance is, and the find itself, which is a combination of the ability of the dog and the handler to accurately tell judges where the substance is.
These organizations further the well-being and rights of purebred K-9s that participate in the 22,000 yearly competitions held under the AKC as well as those that are family companions and law enforcement aids.

K-9 Chaos from the Springfield Police Department and K-9 Kyle from the Charleston Police Department and their handlers will face off against 18 other teams to see which can detect their substance quickest. Teams may display police dogs with certification in areas such as General Patrol, Tracking, Protection, Arson, Fish and Game, and Search and Rescue. The competition will be broadcast at 10 p.m. EST on Sunday, Nov. 28 on ESPN2.

One of the most plate-filling sandwiches, the horseshoe, originated in Illinois’ capitol city! The horseshoe features toast on the bottom, a layer of juicy meats, piled with french fries and Springfield’s specialty cheese sauce on top. 

The tasty meal was created by the Leland Hotel’s head chef Joe Schweska in the 1920s. The idea began when Schweska was in need of a new lunch item. His wife Elizabeth had seen a recipe that incorporated a cheese sauce and suggested using it on top of an open-faced sandwich. Schweska knew he had to develop his own sauce recipe using a sharp white cheddar.

The horseshoe is a staple at many Springfield restaurants. Over the years, other cities throughout the state have mimicked the savory meal.

There are a number of restaurants that are well-known for their horseshoe, including D’Arcy’s Pint, Dublin Pub, Westwoods Lodge and Obed & Isaac’s.

For more information, visit EnjoyIllinois.com.