Seven House Republican legislators are Veterans themselves and bring their experiences to the legislative process. They champion the causes of Veterans and military personnel, taking on Veteran suicide, homelessness, healthcare and more. They along with their colleagues ensure the voices of Veterans are heard in the Illinois House of Representatives.
Legislators in the Illinois General Assembly consider a multitude of laws and policies that impact the lives of Veterans and their families. They also have the responsibility of providing oversight over the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs through the appropriations process. House Republican lawmakers want to hear from Illinois Veterans so they can best serve them.
A little more about the Veterans serving in the Illinois House Republican Caucus:
Rep. Dan Caulkins is a Veteran of the United States Army with over 22 years of service. He served on active duty from January 1966 through February 1969. He also served with the U.S. Army Reserves and National Guard. Caulkins retired as a Major with the Illinois Army National Guard.
Rep. David Friess enlisted in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic after graduating high school. He completed his active duty obligation and joined the Air Force Reserves as a Flight Engineer on the C-141, during which time he was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina. When Desert Storm began he found himself on numerous support missions flying into the theater to support the war effort.
Rep. Paul Jacobs served in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1971. For the last 43 years, Dr. Jacobs has practiced optometry in several communities throughout Southern Illinois. Paul and his wife Rhoda opened Von Jakob Vineyard in Alto Pass 27 years ago.
Rep. Wayne Rosenthal served in the Illinois Air National Guard/United States Air Force. He was direct commissioned in 1971 and served our country for 30 years until he retired in 2001. He completed flight training as a distinguished graduate, received the Husik Memorial Trophy for the #1 aviator in the class and is currently a retired Brigadier General.
Rep. Brandun Schweizer is a 21-year Veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he served as a Recruiter, Intelligence Analyst and Equal Opportunity Advisor. He retired as a Master Sergeant in January 2024. Following his military retirement, Rep. Schweizer served the City of Danville as a Code Enforcement Inspector before joining the ranks of the Illinois General Assembly.
Rep. Dan Swanson is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel. He served from 1977 until 2001. He returned to active duty in 2007-2008 when he served a tour in Iraq. In 2010 he was recalled to active duty and retired in 2013.
Rep. Blaine Wilhour enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard in 1999 during his junior year in high school. He served in the Illinois Guard from 1999-2005 as an Intelligence Analyst. In 2002, he deployed to Europe in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Ways you can honor a veteran
Rep. David Friess enlisted in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic after graduating high school. He completed his active duty obligation and joined the Air Force Reserves as a Flight Engineer on the C-141, during which time he was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina. When Desert Storm began he found himself on numerous support missions flying into the theater to support the war effort.
Rep. Paul Jacobs served in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1971. For the last 43 years, Dr. Jacobs has practiced optometry in several communities throughout Southern Illinois. Paul and his wife Rhoda opened Von Jakob Vineyard in Alto Pass 27 years ago.
Rep. Wayne Rosenthal served in the Illinois Air National Guard/United States Air Force. He was direct commissioned in 1971 and served our country for 30 years until he retired in 2001. He completed flight training as a distinguished graduate, received the Husik Memorial Trophy for the #1 aviator in the class and is currently a retired Brigadier General.
Rep. Brandun Schweizer is a 21-year Veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he served as a Recruiter, Intelligence Analyst and Equal Opportunity Advisor. He retired as a Master Sergeant in January 2024. Following his military retirement, Rep. Schweizer served the City of Danville as a Code Enforcement Inspector before joining the ranks of the Illinois General Assembly.
Rep. Dan Swanson is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel. He served from 1977 until 2001. He returned to active duty in 2007-2008 when he served a tour in Iraq. In 2010 he was recalled to active duty and retired in 2013.
Rep. Blaine Wilhour enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard in 1999 during his junior year in high school. He served in the Illinois Guard from 1999-2005 as an Intelligence Analyst. In 2002, he deployed to Europe in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Ways you can honor a veteran
- Share a Veteran's story in the Illinois Veterans History Project by completing the Illinois Patriot Information Form and submitting it to the Illinois Secretary of State' office.
- On December 14, participate in a wreath-laying ceremony on National Wreaths Across America Day to honor Veterans.
- Connect a Veteran who may need a little support with a volunteer from Illinois Joining Forces through Operation Connect-a-Vet.
- Find out how you can volunteer for Honor Flight or Operation HerStory.