USO of Illinois President & CEO Alison Ruble, Illinois Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs Director Erica Jeffries, Illinois Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti, and Illinois Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger listen to Danlie Cuenca sing the national anthem. (Photo by Maggie Cunningham/courtesy office of Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger)

Illinois Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger recently honored 23 female veterans from across Illinois for their leadership, dedication, and ongoing service to their country and their communities during a Women’s History Month Celebration at the James R. Thompson Center.

Chicago news anchor and reporter Stacey Baca served as emcee.

In addition to Munger, speakers included Illinois Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti, Illinois Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs Director Erica Jeffries, and Alison Ruble, President & CEO of the USO of Illinois.

Comptroller Munger also presented the USO of Illinois with a proclamation celebrating its 75th anniversary.

The Proviso East High School NJROTC Color Guard and national anthem singer Danlie Cuenca from the Navy Band Great Lakes participated in the ceremony.

The 23 honorees included:

Diane Ahrens | US MARINE CORPS

Alex Brackett | US MARINE CORPS

DeAnna Cagley | US ARMY MEDICAL CORPS

Tricia Dieringer | US ARMY

Alexis Duhon | US ARMY

Megan Everett | US NAVY

Katherine Gemmell | US NAVY

Kelsey Gumm | US NAVY

Amy Hess | US ARMY

Rep. Jeanne Ives | US ARMY

Erica Jeffries | US ARMY

Ashley Jones | US NAVY

Rep. Stephanie Kifowit | US MARINE CORPS

Dr. Donna King | US ARMY

Nicole Mandeville | US ARMY

Marie Marcotte | US ARMY

Lana McCants | US NAVY

Janice Muhammad | US ARMY

Loan Nguyen | US ARMY

Darienne Page-Rakestraw | US ARMY

Leslie Rodriguez | US NAVY

Alma Tello | US AIR FORCE

Veronica Vera | US AIR FORCE

—   State honors female veterans for their service —